With starting quarterback Cam Newton resting, the Panthers got a good look at the top two candidates to be his backup this season last night. Kyle Allen is listed second on the team’s unofficial depth chart, followed by third-round pick Will Grier.
Here is what head coach Ron Rivera had to say about their preseason performances against the Bears, per Joe Person at the Athletic.
“They both had their moments early on where they kind of struggled a little bit, just trying to settle themselves down. You could tell because they threw a couple balls early. . . And as they got more and more comfortable, you saw them become more proficient with their decision-making. If there’s one thing, Will just needs to speed up his process a little bit more.”
Rivera is likely referencing the interception Grier threw in the second quarter of the game. Grier appeared to misread the defense, stare down his target and threw a ball that was easily picked off by Bears safety Deon Bush.
Grier settled in after the pick though and later threw a touchdown to rookie running back Elijah Holyfield.
While Allen didn’t do anything spectacular, he did avoid committing a turnover. We should assume that he’s still the top backup QB for now.
