When the Carolina Panthers (5-9) meet the 6-8 Indianapolis Colts today, there will be no playoff implications and the game is essentially meaningless, except for the fact that former West Virginia quarterback Will Grier is getting the start for the first time in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers.
Grier replaces the turnover-prone Panthers’ quarterback Kyle Allen and this is his big opportunity to showcase his talent as an audition to potentially be the team’s starting quarterback moving forward.
The Panthers appear ready to move on from the Cam Newton era, Kyle Allen has not impressed during his time as the starter and this is literally the perfect situation for the rookie Will Grier to shine before a new coaching staff is hired before next season.
Panthers’ running back Christian McCaffrey leads league with a franchise-record 2,121 yards from scrimmage. McCaffrey also leads the NFL with 18 TDs and the league’s running backs with 94 receptions. The Panthers need a quarterback who will get the ball to McCaffrey and not make a lot of mistakes, so it’s essential that Grier limits turnovers today.
The Panthers are on a current 6 game losing streak and will look to Grier to inject some life into their struggling offense. Grier, who played in 4 games in the preseason and finished 34-61 (55.7%) with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, is excited to get an opportunity in his rookie season.
“I’m extremely excited just to be able to get that game experience,” Grier said. “I’m excited to actually play in a real game, to play a full game, to go through different times, just what a game really is.”
With solid performances today at Indianapolis and next week at home against the New Orleans Saints, Grier could solidify himself as the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers and jumpstart his career in the National Football League.
