Panthers will start rookie QB Clausen in search for answers
It did not take too long for the Carolina Panthers to find themselves in a hole. After starting 0-2 under Matt Moore, the Panthers will start second-round draft pick Jimmy Clausen in Week 3 against Cincinnati. Carolina’s offence has been stagnant and the
passing game has been dreadful.
Panthers’ coach John Fox announced that Clausen would start one day after his team lost its first divisional game, falling 20-7 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Clausen was selected 48th overall this year, being drafted well after he was expected
to be taken. The Panthers were surprised that he was still available and put the future of the franchise in his hands.
Clausen has been raved about since high school, going undefeated as a starter before being recruited by Notre Dame. He was regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects but concerns over his attitude saw him drop in the draft. When he learned that he’d
start Sunday, Clausen certainly didn’t sound like the cocky player he was perceived to be.
"I've dreamt it for my whole life, to be a starting quarterback in the National Football League," said Clausen. "It's real exciting, but at same time, it's a job. You've got to go prepare."
John Fox is in the final year of his contract with the Panthers and is guiding a very young Panthers team that just got younger. Clausen is just 23 years old, as he did not return to Notre Dame for his senior year.
"We've just not been getting it done," said Fox. "Jimmy is a guy we think highly of. I thought he made the most of his opportunities Sunday. We'll see how it goes this week."
The Carolina offence has lacked firepower in the last couple of games. Moore has turned the ball over six times, including three end zone interceptions. It certainly is a change from last year when he went 4-1 as a starter, throwing eight touchdown passes
and one interception. Moore said that he is not happy with the switch but he understands the move.
"I'm not happy with it," Moore said. " but I understand it, I accept it. But it's definitely not what you want to hear as a player. I'll be behind Jimmy as the weeks go on."
Clausen will face a difficult test for his first NFL start, taking on a very tough Bengals’ defence. The Bengals are coming off a big win against Baltimore, forcing four Ravens’ turnovers.
"It's exciting," Clausen said, "but at the same time, it's time to get to work now."
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