Jimmy Clausen Makes Carolina Panthers Starting Debut in Week 3: How Will He Do?

It didn't take long for John Fox to turn to the talented, but inexperienced Jimmy Clausen. A year ago, Fox was considered too stubborn for sticking with Jake Delhomme for as long as he did. 

After two games the decision has been made by Fox and his staff to go with Clausen for the foreseeable future.  

How will the rookie fare in his debut as a starter?

That's the million-dollar question that every analyst will almost certainly have an opinion on throughout the week.

Performing at a high level in your first start against high-level competition will be a daunting task. Clausen does have these following things working in his favor though. 

Home Cookin'

The former Notre Dame QB will have to go up against the Cincinnati Bengals defense that looked horrific in Week 1 and tremendous in Week 2. The best thing Clausen has going for him is that his debut will come at Bank of America Stadium against a Bengals team that got blown out in its only road game of the season.

Last week there were tickets still left over for the game, but that is likely to change with fans wanting to see the rookie's first start. 

"Double Trouble"

Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams haven't been able to find any running room through the first two games. The offensive line has played poorly and opposing teams are consistently bringing an eighth man into the box. 

The Bengals are going to implement the same game plan and try to force Clausen to beat them. That will mean, because of his talented backs, he will get an opportunity to make plays down the field against favorable coverage.

Fox will likely lean on Stewart and Williams early on, but if they are struggling again, expect the onus to be put on Clausen to make things happen through the passing game. 

No. 89

Whether or not you are a fan of Steve Smith, you can't deny that he is one hell of a football player. Despite Matt Moore's horrendous play over the first two weeks, he has managed to find the end zone twice.

Smith's numbers have dropped the past couple years because of poor quarterback play, and hopefully for the Panthers, Clausen will change that.

While Carolina lacks a No. 2 receiver, Clausen is entering a much better situation than Sam Bradford, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Bradford has a good running back in Stephen Jackson, but his options at wide receiver are about as good as some of Brett Favre's throws on Sunday.

With the keys to the offense being turned over to Clausen, there's no doubt that he has playmakers at his disposal to help his transition into the NFL. 

Superstar in the Making?

We haven't seen Clausen perform outside of the preseason and fourth quarter this season. In his first drive that began at the 20-yard line, he led the Panthers 78 yards down the field. Unfortunately, for Carolina, the drive stalled at the Tampa two-yard line. 

Clausen has the physical tools to make it in the league; the determining factor of whether or not he will be successful will come down to his poise in the pocket. And how he will rebound when he goes through the inevitable struggles a rookie experiences. 

The Jimmy Clausen Era is officially underway. Will he be the franchise QB the Panthers desperately need or will he falter under the pressure like so many quarterbacks do?

One thing is for certain and that is No. 2 will be under center come Sunday.