How Quickly Things Have Changed: Jimmy Clausen Named Starter

Added on Sep 20, 2010 by Eric Galko in

NFL

Just after training camp, Matt Moore was “ingrained” as the Panthers starter, with Hunter Cantwell and Jimmy Clausen “distant seconds” as reported by many in the NFL world.

But, just after two unimpressive weeks as the starter, Matt Moore has returned to his role on the bench. And the rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen, less talked about than Bradford, McCoy, Skelton, Max Hall, and of course Tim Tebow, will get a start in just his 3rd game on an NFL roster.

Leading up to the NFL Draft, I was a huge supporter of Jimmy Clausen. I even touted him (and still do) as the top overall quarterback prospect in last year’s draft. However, leading up to the 2010 NFL Season, I was all but crucified for sticking with my report and grade on Clausen compared to Sam Bradford. Now, it looks like, the tables have turned.

And while Clausen needed a few weeks to get acclimated to the NFL game and didn’t look overly impressive in training camp, you can’t hold that against him. He is a rookie. He needs time. But time is not a factor for him anymore. His time to start and be the face of the Panthers is now.

Clausen has weapons around him. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart may be the most talented running back duo in the NFL. Steve Smith is a still a Pro Bowl caliber receiver and Brandon LaFell is an emerging rookie. And, the offensive line still features potential Pro Bowlers like Jordan Gross and Jeff Otah.

He won’t be the savior of this team quite yet, but the talent around them is plentiful enough for the Panthers to win a few games once he gets comfortable. I feel that Clausen has the potential to be better than Bradford, and now that both are the starters, Clausen’s in a much, much better place.