The top pick of the 2018 draft, Baker Mayfield, has never been out of the starting XI, if fit, for the Carolina Panthers. However, the promising quarterback will be benched unusually as a backup during the Panthers-Falcons faceoff, despite being fit to play on Sunday. The Panthers intend to retain their second choice P.J. Walker as the starting QB. Meanwhile, Walker amazed everyone with his gritty performance, in week 7, against Tom Brady and Co.
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With the top-notch morale-boosting victory against the Tom Brady brigade, the Panthers are no longer afraid of challenges. They have almost no aspirations of making it to the playoffs.
Nonetheless, they believe they can win even against the greatest in the business. While the Bucs, with their recent shocking loss against the
Ravens, will be under extreme pressure to meet expectations and must win their next game against the Rams.The fairy tale triumph that swallowed Tom Brady & Co.
The Panthers had to face a number of blows in the days leading up to their clash with the Buccaneers. It started with head coach Matt Rhule’s expulsion after their loss to the 49ers. Next, the Panthers traded two of their most productive players this season.
Without franchise face, Robbie Anderson and running back Christian McCaffrey, they were at the bottom of their confidence (1-5 till week 6). Nothing went the Panthers’ way in those two weeks. Though, motivated by their hometown kid interim coach Steve Wilks, the Panthers managed to display their true caliber when they faced Tom Brady and his side.
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“Make the Jump,” Steve Wilks’ exhortation, urged the Panthers to approach the Bucs without hesitation or fear. Tom Brady was the center of everyone’s attention. Though, a quarterback who was starting consecutive games for the first time in his career ended up outshining the legend.
Walker startled everyone furthermore by leading the favorites by one point, at halftime. The Panthers’ offense bulldozed for 173 yards and never trailed the Bucs in their 21-3 victory. The much-anticipated Tom Brady magic never transpired as the 13-point home underdogs played their hearts out and outclassed the legend.
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Mayfield had always been the Panthers’ top offensive option. Walker was previously the fourth alternative at the center. However, sometimes a single win can create a big impact on the lives of many. Apart from blaming his bad luck, Mayfield’s only option now is to wait for his chance to play or to become a free agent before next year’s trade deadline. While Tom Brady prepares for the match, losing what may ruin his career even further.