The results are in and it looks like the current depth chart could project the starters for the first preseason game against the New York Giants. Many had high hopes that Cam Newton might be the front runner, but it seems Rivera has someone else in mind to open. If Fanfest is any indicator of the potential for both quarterbacks, it would appear that they are “inconsistent” at best. One thing that is certain is Cam has the support of the fans and that is a crucial part of any growing process. So where does that leave Jimmy Clausen?
It’s to be expected that as a rookie, any QB would have a hard struggle before showing true signs of becoming a franchise player, even on a high-ranked team. As we all know, Clausen’s rookie year produced less than satisfactory results and fans let him know it. In order to get a good picture of the learning atmosphere that Clausen had, you have to look at the whole situation.
“‘They have to be coached and they have to have time. I don’t expect them to play like they’ve been in the league three or four years. But the coaching staff will coach to the strengths of the men. They won’t say, ‘This is the way it is, do it,’ and then go to (general manager) Marty (Hurney) and say, ‘He can’t do it.’ ” J.R.’s interview earlier today about this year’s coaching staff gave a good look into the learning atmosphere that rookies had last year under former coach John Fox. Needless to say, even when players were healthy, not much was getting done both on and off the field. In a do or die environment you can always expect players to play nervous, frustrated and possibly injured. And that’s what they did.
Last year’s supporting cast of experienced QB’s also left much to be desired with a struggling and injured Matt Moore, a stay-at-home dad in Brian St. Pierre, and an astonishingly bad Tony Pike. None of them had extensive or reputable careers and the competition went from bad to worse. It’s important for every learning QB to have a some type of mentor, but not from 3, terrible QB’s. With the constant pressure of being the only one able to perform, there’s no wonder Clausen was a failure.
This brings me to my last point, fan support. I’m right alongside every Panther fan when I say that at times it was extremely difficult to watch several games last season. Especially the ones where we came close to competing and blew it in the worst ways imaginable. Clausen’s play last year was horrible and for that there is no excuse, but that was 2010. Poor mechanics aside, last year was ugly in nearly every aspect, not just at quarterback. There should be no reason that he gets booed for every bad pass he makes in practice now. He hasn’t lost any games this season. Why must he be subjected to that same ridicule?
If Cam is to become our starting QB, he needs stiff competition at his heels. Until that time, we have to accept that Clausen will be playing and he will make mistakes. However, he can’t be expected to play well if he is playing against his own fans. You don’t have to like him, but what does that say to Cam? He may also make mistakes that cost us games. Are we then going to boo him into nothing? It’s time to wipe the slate clean and forget the past. Nobody is beyond redemption and all the returning Panthers deserve room for second chances. And it starts at home in the seats of Bank of America stadium.
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