Friday, August 12, 2011

On Clausen, Gettis and Panthers

Panthers coach Ron Rivera has made the right move starting Jimmy Clausen Saturday against the New York Giants. Clausen is the veteran, this week overall in practice I think he's looked better throwing the ball and certainly he's a bit more familiar with the speed of the NFL game than Cam Newton.

With that said, as I wrote in this blog earlier this week, I'd start Clausen this week but then let Newton have a start next week at the Miami Dolphins. See what he can do. Let them both play under as equal circumstances as possible over a two-week period and then see what you've got.

In the meantime, they both have one less receiver to throw to, as the torn ACL in David Gettis's knee means he will be lost for the season. That's a blow, for sure, but only the second-most significant injury in camp so far. The first? The torn triceps sustained by DT Ron Edwards, counted on to bolster the middle of the Panther defense.

Gettis certainly is a blow, too, but I don't think he would have started anyway. Before he was hurt, Rivera wasn't high on either what Gettis or fellow second-year receiver Brandon LaFell had done in this camp. In any case, this makes it all the more smart-looking that the Panthers and Steve Smith mended fences.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am glad they are going to ease Cam into the game and not throw him to the wolves. I still think they should have picked up another big name receiver. Although they have picked up Tight Ends and they play a big role in this offense another receiver would have solidified this offense

Conan said...

Lee Evans went for a 4th round pick! he would have been great opposite Smitty.

Anonymous said...

smitty's great, had someone not used the vodoo on jake he'd have a ring by now!

DieHardCatXX said...

I hope coaches are watching preseason games for other teams because there are some really talented receivers whom will be cut for roster space, i.e., Duane Harris! Dallas cowboys rookie WR from ecu!, Ron Rivera!

Anonymous said...

Jimmy and Cam will BOTH suck this year,JImmy because he's an ego driven baby, and Cam because he'll be shown up as a gimmick.

Anderson will be qb by seasons end as Hurney then will have to swallow his pride and get a REAL qb with next years #1 pick.

Andrew Luck

Sportsdon said...

Not sure what part of Cam's past would lead anyone to sell him short right now, other than plain predjudice and pure ignorance. I would remain anonymous too if I posted a comment that worthless and ill considered.

I didn't see any part of Anderson's play for the Cards last year that would make me want to see him put down a clipboard.

I'm glad Clausen gets the start against the Giants first string defense, sparing us the risk of Cam getting injured right away. Jimmy's lack of mobility and game speed decision making will be severely exposed tonight.

Anonymous said...

If we had had an offensive line last year, which we did not, Jimmy would not have looked so bad. That is exactly why Jake looked so good for so long, plus Steve Smith catching balls that most other reciever would not. We'll see!!!

Sportsdon said...

Jake looked good until he injured his elbow, that Tommy John surgery never could fix. Jake was the perfect play action QB, Clausen was not. The offensive line sent two guys to the probowl last year despite the inability of Jimmy to convert 3rd downs. Very few QB's look good under the Fox system as we will see in Denver this year.

Sam Vimes said...

And next week at Miami the real question will be... what kind of game AGAINST the Panthers Matt Moore has.