Jimmy Clausen Impressive in Carolina Panthers' First Preseason Game

If you watched last night's preseason opener between the Carolina Panthers and the Baltimore Ravens, one thing stood out—former Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen didn't look like a typical rookie as he ran the Panthers' offense for most of the second quarter.

Clausen, the Panthers' second-round pick in this year's NFL draft, seemed comfortable, confident, and moved around better than he had in his junior year as the Notre Dame's All-American signal caller.

He also looked bigger and stronger.

In the second quarter, Clausen went 7-for-13 and led the Panthers on a drive ending with a field goal. 

He finished the game 8-for-15 with an interception.  The interception occurred in the third quarter's rain storm when his receiver appeared to fall down on his route.

Clausen came into the game to relieve the Panthers' projected starting quarterback, Matt Moore. 

Moore, who became a starter last year when Jake Delhomme went down with a finger injury, played outstanding and led his team to four wins in five games—one of those wins was over last year's Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints.

Moore might have exceeded expectations as he threw for eight touchdowns and only one interception, but I wouldn't say the quarterback job is in his pocket after the way Clausen performed last night.

Clausen had to play most of his junior season at Notre Dame with an aggravating turf toe injury and decided to forgo his senior season to enter the NFL draft.

It was somewhat of a surprise that he wasn't picked until later in the second round, but he'll certainly have a chance to prove he should have been drafted earlier.

Clausen said about last night's game, "I was anxious to get out there for the first time, but I felt comfortable."  He went on to say "It's a different atmosphere than college, but it's still football."

In last night's game, Clausen not only looked comfortable and in charge, but when the pocket broke down he remained clam and made good decisions.  He also appeared to have a good grasp of the offense.

Clausen also showed good arm strength, but everyone knows he has the arm and it was one of the reasons the Panthers drafted him.

On July 28, Clausen and the Panthers agreed on a 4-year, $6.3 million contract.