Quarterback was the star of the XFL
Roughnecks fan favorite P.J. Walker to join Carolina Panthers
Mar 23, 2020, 11:51 am
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The XFL season ended too soon because of the Covid-19 scare, but Roughnecks quarterback P.J. Walker made enough of an impression to get another shot at the NFL.
Walker, who led Houston to a 5-0 record and was the clear front-runner for MVP, will rejoin his old college coach, Matt Ruhle, with the Carolina Panthers.
Instant XFL star
Walker was the clear QB star of the XFL, throwing for 1,338 yards and 15 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions. His escapability in the pocket and ability to contribute to the running game thanks to his mobility made him a terrific fit for June Jones' offense. Walker connected with WR Cam Phillips for nine of his 15 touchdowns. He completed 64.7 percent of his passes and added in 99 rushing yards on 24 carries, second on the team.
Walker quickly became a Roughnecks fan favorite and the face of the first-year league.
With the Panthers
Walker, whose prior NFL experience was a stint on the practice squad in Indianapolis, will join a crowded quarterback room in Carolina. The Panthers added for Saints backup Teddy Bridgewater in free agency, and have yet to decide what to do with Cam Newton. Kyle Allen, who started 12 games last year, returns on a one-year deal, and Will Grier was drafted in the third round last year. UPDATE: Allen was traded to the Redskins after this was initially published.
Regardless, Walker will take his skills to the NFL.
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The Rockets have been solid at Toyota Center, boasting an 18-9 home record, but they’ll need a sharper shooting performance to keep pace with Milwaukee. Houston ranks last in the Western Conference in three-point percentage (34.3%) and will have to find offensive efficiency against a Bucks team that allows 45.2% shooting to opponents.
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- Bucks’ offensive edge: Milwaukee averages 5.2 more points per game than Houston allows, making defensive execution critical for the Rockets.
With both teams sitting fifth in their respective conferences, this matchup could serve as a measuring stick as they push toward playoff positioning. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. EST in Houston.
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