Young Bucs outclass Carolina Panthers 20-7
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took another step forward under the leadership of second year quarterback Josh Freeman. The Bucs took home a huge win, on the road, against a division rival, beating the Carolina Panthers 20-7 at the Bank of America Stadium.
At the site of his worst game as a professional, a five-interception debacle nine months ago, Josh Freeman was cool and collected, throwing for two touchdowns and no interceptions on 12-for-24 passing. Making his performance even more impressive was the
Bucs struggles in the run game. Cadillac Williams carried the ball 27 times for just 51 yards, leaving the ball in Freeman's hands, figuratively if not literally.
After seeing the Panthers tie the score at 7-7, Freeman took his offence on an 80 yard drive to retake a lead that they would not lose. Facing a 3rd and 17 on his own 25-yard line, Freeman hit tight end Kellen Winslow for a 40-yard gain. On the very next
play, Freeman found Mike Williams down the middle, who did the rest, scoring a confidence boosting touchdown for the young Bucs.
While one team looked settled at the QB position, the same was not true for the other, the Carolina Panthers. It's official, there's a quarterback controversy in Carolina. Matt Moore was pulled in the fourth quarter in favour of highly-rated rookie, Jimmy
Clausen. Moore struggled to move the team at any point in the game, finishing with just six completions for 125 yards. He did hit Steve Smith on a slant for the Panther's only touchdown of the game, but at 0-2, his leash is very, very short.
Clausen, the rookie out of Notre Dame, played the fourth quarter, with the game still close, but didn't blow anyone away, finishing 7-for-13 for 59 yards and an interception. However, the fans let it be known that they're ready to see Clausen given a shot.
Moore heard the boo birds early and often, and Clausen took the field to loud cheers.
Coach John Fox wouldn't reveal his starter for next week, but his comments indicated that he is considering Clausen
Fox said it was, "way too early," to decide who would start next week against the Bengals.
"Matt has not been benched by any stretch," Fox said. "We'll go with whoever gives us the best chance to win next week and that will take some time."
For the time being that could be Moore, but the Panthers are certainly the kind of team that could turn to a rookie. With a solid defence and a two-headed running attack, Clausen could start without having to shoulder too much of the load. One of the youngest
teams in the league, the time might be ripe to turn to the highly-touted youngster at quarterback.
The Panthers were given a perfect example of the benefits of giving a yound QB a chance on Sunday, unfortunately it came from the other sideline in the form of Josh Freeman
Tags: