Matt Corral preseason debut: Fans question Panthers’ strategy with former Ole Miss star vs. Patriots
By Adam Spencer
Published:
The Carolina Panthers announced that rookie Matt Corral out of Ole Miss would get plenty of playing time in Thursday’s preseason game against the New England Patriots.
The problem? He’d be splitting quarters with backup PJ Walker. Considering the team already has Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold on the roster for the upcoming season, it stands to reason that, at best, Walker will be the practice squad quarterback in 2022.
Based on that presumption, Panther fans were upset when Walker came out to take the first quarter reps. Many were calling for the Panthers to see what they had in Corral, who has been impressive in training camp so far.
Here’s a sampling of the reaction pouring in on social media:
Carolina should know what they have in PJ by now, why the hell isn't Matt Corral playing the whole game #CARvsNE
— SocialMutiny (@SocialMutiny) August 19, 2022
Man lowkey I’m tired of PJ put Matt Corral in ? #KeepPounding
— ??Local Money, Chase Global Money (@lucc_muney) August 19, 2022
I’m just trying to see Matt Corral ??
— Keb (@ihatekeb) August 19, 2022
I would’ve preferred to give Matt Corral the start tonight – since Rhule has this extra goofy relationship with Sam Darnold. https://t.co/WsW96avogl
— Panthers Culture ?? (@PanthersCulture) August 19, 2022
PJ Walker is trash. Put Matt Corral in there and see what the kid can do. ??♂️
— JazzyJeffRealTalk (@JazzyJeffRealT1) August 19, 2022
Is Matt Corral the future of the Panthers? pic.twitter.com/eQHXkdBHQE
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) August 19, 2022
Why is Matt Corral not playing the ENTIRE game tonight?? PJ won't be on the roster come week 1 because we are NOT keeping 4 QBs on the roster. Matt Rhule is a dumbass. @josephperson
— Brandon Key (@brandonkeyy) August 19, 2022
Why? Move on from PJ and just give Corral the reps and playing time. We all know PJ's future here is as dull as Rhules.
— J_Vang1 (@J_Vang1) August 19, 2022
Why even draft Corral then?
— Alex (@GoDawgs999) August 19, 2022
We’ll see how Corral fares in his first live NFL action, but he clearly has the support of most of the fan base. That fan base is eager to see what the former Rebel can do at the pro level.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
