P.J. Walker is the latest in a long line of former NFL QBs to make the jump to the CFL.
Some have made the jump successfully. Others, not so much.
With 9 career NFL starts, Walker has more big-time experience than most. But that doesn't make the transition much easier. The 12-man game takes some getting used to, and some growing pains are expected.
Walker's first start was a perfect example of those growing pains. His play in the Calgary Stampeders' 31-11 loss leaves a big question unanswered.
Does P.J. Walker have what it takes to be a CFL starter?
The Good
All things considered, Walker put up a respectable stat line.
- 20/37
- 273 passing yards
- 1 TD
- 3 INT
- 12 rushing yards
Throwing for 273 yards while missing Begleton, Barnes, Philpot, and Alford to injury is an impressive feat. It gets even more impressive when you consider the CFL's 3rd leading rusher, Dedrick Mills, only rushed for 11 yards.
One thing that stood out all day was that Walker has an NFL-caliber arm. The velocity on his throws is rarely seen in the CFL.
But, it wasn't all good.
The Bad
There's no way around it, 3 INTs won't get the job done. When you consider that one of those was a pick-6, it gets even worse.
P.J. Walker also missed several throws high. Part of that could be rust, but it could also be part of adjusting to the different field dimensions and an extra player.
If Walker has already proved he has the arm talent to start in the CFL. But, he will have to prove he can utilize it consistently to get the chance.
The Verdict
Will P.J. Walker ever become a starter in the CFL? It's impossible to say, but I for one think has has a chance.
His experience and arm talent can't be understated, but he's not perfect. And it's his biggest weakness that is the most likely to hold him back.
His NFL career ended in part due to his inability to take care of the ball. They threw 16 interceptions versus just 6 touchdowns. And, after throwing 3 picks in his first CFL start, it's fair to ask if he can ever truly put those problems behind him.