Jimmy Clausen Could End Up Making Panthers Look Like Geniuses for Drafting Him
Jimmy Clausen had an up-and-down college career at Notre Dame, but now the Carolina Panthers’ rookie quarterback gets a chance to show he can play in the NFL.
Clausen will start over Matt Moore against the Bengals this Sunday.
Panthers coach John Fox made the decision after watching the Panthers get outscored 51-25 in its first two games, both losses. The Panthers are hoping Clausen can right the ship and help Carolina avoid its second straight 0-3 start to a season.
Clausen can’t be any worse than Moore, who has turned the ball over six times (four interceptions, two lost fumbles) and led the Panthers’ offense to two touchdowns this season.
The rookie hasn’t looked half bad in two brief NFL outings so far- completing six of 15 passes for 59 yards and an interception.
Clausen could be a diamond in the rough. Although he went 16-18 at Notre Dame, Clausen finished his career in second place on the Irish’s all-time list in passing yards (8,148), touchdown passes (60), completion percentage (61.3), total offense (7,793) and completions (695).
At 6-foot-2 and 222 pounds with a cannon for a right arm, Clausen has the physical tools of a prototypical NFL quarterback. The second-round pick in the 2010 draft also has something to prove after being overlooked by every team in the first round.
The Panthers have nothing to lose by giving Clausen a shot.
Do you think Clausen has the ability to step up and guide the Panthers to a winning season? Share your opinions below.
