Panthers coach Matt Rhule teases 2-QB system with Cam Newton and PJ Walker
Carolina Panthers coach Matt Rhule said Monday that both Cam Newton and P.J. Walker would continue sharing reps at quarterback ahead of the team’s upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills.
Newton is expected to start, but Rhule said Walker has played well enough to remain a part of the game plan.
“We planned on playing PJ in the game. We had a package for him and then also planned on him playing in the two minute,” Rhule said. “We’ll continue to play both guys.”
Neither quarterback is protecting the ball well enough at the moment. Rhule said Carolina must eliminate those turnovers and mistakes. It’s a reoccuring theme that keeps derailing promising drives and is ultimately costing the Panthers points and wins.
Carolina turned the ball over three times in their 29-21 loss Sunday to NFC South rival Atlanta. Newton threw what he called a “game-killing” second-quarter pick-six and later lost a third-quarter fumble, which later led to a Falcons touchdown.
“It’s our fifth three-turnover game of the year. If we protect the football, we have a chance to win these games. It’s one thing to have a turnover, it’s another to have a pick-six,” Rhule said. “We aren’t going to beat a team like the Falcons if we turn it over three times.”
Quarterback Sam Darnold is a week or two away from returning. The team placed him on injured reserve following a Week 9 shoulder injury. Rhule added that Darnold could see the field again this season but remains out this week.
Rhule on Monday also addressed the offensive line play, his defense’s third-down issues and the health of a few key players.
▪ The Panthers offensive line allowed one sack and nine pressures on Sunday. Rhule said he thought the line played well despite Carolina starting their ninth different combination in 13 games. Guards Michael Jordan and John Miller were inactive due to injury. Rhule said they will navigate injuries up front once again throughout this week of practice.
“We’ll probably have Michael Jordan back this week or have a good chance, and potentially Johnny (Miller) so we have to kind of wait and see how it plays out,” Rhule said. “Those guys came out of that game banged up. So I think I want to get to Wednesday and see how Cam (Erving) is feeling and put the best five out there.”
Rookie Brady Christensen made his first start at right guard and did not grade out well, according to Pro Football Focus. Christensen’s 31.2 pass blocking score was the lowest among all Panthers’ offensive linemen. He allowed a team-high three pressures and two hurries. Keep in mind that In Week 11 versus Washington, Christensen earned an 89.9 overall starting at left tackle.
Rhule continues to insist Christensen’s future is at guard.
▪ The Panthers defense took a step back against Atlanta. Carolina did not sack quarterback Matt Ryan and pressured him 13 times. They allowed the Falcons to convert 50% of their third-down tries and both fourth-down attempts.
“There’s just a lot of things we have to clean up, especially on third downs,” Rhule said. “But guys did a lot of good things as well so I think it’s just this growth of understanding that when you’re a corner, when you’re a safety you can’t have a bad snap. It can result in a big play.”
▪ Two Panthers star players are trending in opposite directions in terms of health.
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore played all 69 defensive snaps on Sunday for the first time all season. Rhule said the plan was to significantly increase Gilmore’s role after the bye week assuming his body responded well.
“We wanted to play him as much as possible. We knew there would be a larger number coming out of the bye and then possibly ended up being the whole game, which was great to have,” Rhule said. “And I thought he did a nice job in there.”
While Gilmore looks crisp, Rhule said wide receiver DJ Moore pulled his hamstring on Sunday and will be considered day-to-day this week.
