Baker Mayfield Net worth 2022, Who Will Start At Quarterback for Carolina, Mayfield or Darnold?
Quarterback is the most important position in football, and the Carolina Panthers are in a bit of a quandary as to who will be their starting quarterback for the 2022 season. Cam Newton is coming off of a serious injury and his future with the team is very much up in the air. The Panthers used a first-round pick on Teddy Bridgewater last year, but he was ultimately benched in favor of Newton. Carolina also has second-year pro-Will Grier waiting in the wings.
So, who will start at quarterback for the Panthers in 2022? We take a look at the three options and make our prediction below.
Option 1: Cam Newton
The case for Cam Newton starting at quarterback for the Panthers in 2022 is simple – he’s the best option on the roster. When healthy, Newton is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL. He’s a dangerous runner, which opens up the play-calling for Carolina, and he has a rocket arm that can make any throw on the field.
Newton also has a ton of experience, which is something that can’t be overlooked. He’s been the Panthers’ starting quarterback since 2011 and he’s led the team to three NFC South titles and one Super Bowl appearance. Bridgewater and Grier have a combined five starts under their belts, so Newton gives Carolina the best chance to win.
The biggest knock on Newton is his durability. He missed 16 games over the last two seasons due to injury and he turns 32 in May. The Panthers have to be concerned about his long-term health and whether he can stay on the field.
Option 2: Teddy Bridgewater
The case for Teddy Bridgewater starting at quarterback for the Panthers in 2022 is that he’s the future of the franchise. The Panthers invested a first-round pick in him last year and they need to see what they have in him. Bridgewater is coming off of a strong season in which he completed 69.1 percent of his passes for 3,733 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
He also has experience starting in the NFL, as he started 28 games for the Minnesota Vikings before being traded to Carolina. Bridgewater is still just 27 years old and has plenty of upside. He could develop into a franchise quarterback for the Panthers if given the chance.
The biggest knock on Bridgewater is that he’s not a very good deep-ball thrower. He only averaged 6.8 yards per attempt last season, which was the lowest in the NFL. Carolina’s offense is built around Newton’s ability to make plays downfield, so Bridgewater would have to adjust his game if he’s going to be the starter.
Option 3: Will Grier
The case for Will Grier starting at quarterback for the Panthers in 2022 is that he has the most upside of any quarterback on the roster. Grier was a highly-touted prospect coming out of West Virginia and the Panthers used a third-round pick on him last year. He only saw action in two games as a rookie, but he flashed some potential, completing 31 of 55 passes for 4 TDs and 2 INTs.
Grier has all of the physical tools to be a successful NFL quarterback. He has a strong arm and he’s a good athlete. He also has the benefit of learning from two experienced quarterbacks in Newton and Bridgewater. If Grier can develop quickly, he could be the Panthers’ starter by mid-season.
The biggest knock on Grier is that he’s a raw prospect. He only started 23 games in college and he didn’t play against the best competition. Grier will need time to develop and learn the NFL game. The Panthers might not have the patience to wait for him to blossom into a starting quarterback.
So, who will start at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers in 2022? We believe it will be Cam Newton. He’s the best option on the roster and he gives the Panthers the best chance to win. Bridgewater is the future of the franchise, but Newton is still the present. Grier has upside, but he’s a raw prospect who will need time to develop. The Panthers will likely give Newton one more season to see if he can stay healthy and lead them back to the playoffs.
Conclusion:
The Carolina Panthers will start Cam Newton at quarterback in 2022. He’s the best option on the roster and he gives the Panthers the best chance to win. Bridgewater is the future of the franchise, but Newton is still the present. Grier has upside, but he’s a raw prospect who will need time to develop. The Panthers will likely give Newton one more season to see if he can stay healthy and lead them back to the playoffs.