Jimmy Clausen Benched by Carolina Panthers: 5 Reasons the Move Needed to Happen
With Jimmy Clausen heading back to the bench after a short stint as the Carolina Panthers' starting quarterback, Matt Moore will take over once again this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.
Many may be wondering why the Panthers sent the rookie QB back to the bench so soon considering the 0-5 record certainly doesn't all rest on Clausen's shoulders.
The decision may be somewhat confusing, especially since John Fox delivered the message via a team official and not himself. Regardless of how the announcement was made, the decision itself was the right move.
It may not make sense to turn to Moore, who has had his fair share of struggles and isn't the future of the franchise, but hear me out and things will be a little clearer.
Without further ado, here are five reasons why sending the rook to the bench was the best move.
No. 5: A View from the Sidelines
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Clausen started out his career in the NFL watching from the sidelines and will resume holding the clipboard once again against the Niners after starting the previous three games for the Panthers.
Transitioning from the college game to the NFL is a big leap, especially for a QB. Being thrown into the fire works sometimes, but there are a number of QBs who have had success after sitting early on.
Clausen's already been on the field when it matters and now has a feel for the speed of the game. Taking a step back and watching Moore will give him a chance to continue to learn on Sundays while working on his game in practice.
No. 4: Restoring Confidence
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The former Notre Dame QB has fumbled the football seven times (losing two) and thrown three picks to just one touchdown. While Clausen's confidence may still be there, it's something the Panthers can't afford to have their young QB lose.
David Carr is a perfect example of a QB that took a beating, lost his confidence on a team that wasn't very good and has never rebounded to become a productive player.
Carolina is better off sending Moore out there to work with a receiving corps that is comprised mostly of rookies and is without Steve Smith for the time being.
Protecting Clausen physically is important, but making sure he doesn't lose confidence is just as important.
No. 3: Matt Moore
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Through two games Moore played about as badly as possible. He threw costly red zone interceptions, missed open receivers and was overall ineffective.
Although Moore looked awful early on, he showed at the end of last season that he can be effective.
In a game the Minnesota Vikings needed to win last season, Moore played admirably, leading the Panthers to a victory over Brett Favre and co. as he tossed for 299 yards and three TDs.
Giving Moore another chance to reclaim the magic he had down the stretch last season is the best option for the Panthers right now.
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No. 2: Get
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Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams have been a dynamic duo ever since Stewart was drafted by the Panthers. It's the tandem's third year together, and it's been hardly a charm.
With offensive lineman Jeff Otah out (more on him later), "Double Trouble" have continuously met a wall at the line of scrimmage. It doesn't help that teams are daring the Panthers to beat them by throwing the football and crowding the box.
Regardless of how poor the offensive line and QB have played, the two running backs deserve some of the blame.
Williams' poor play has more to do with the overall struggle of the team.
On the other hand, Stewart looks lost on the field. He hasn't showed his hard-nosed running style through five games and isn't hitting running lanes with conviction. Stewart has only 36 carries on the year, but if he wants more he's going to have to be more productive with the ones he gets.
No. 1: Struggles of the Offensive Line
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With offensive tackle Jeff Otah still on the shelf from offseason left knee surgery, the Panthers' offensive line has struggled. Otah is 6'6", 330 pounds and a huge force on the line.
Although many have been quick to put the blame on the receivers, running backs and QBs in Carolina, it's been the offensive line's struggles that have been troubling.
Jordan Gross and Ryan Kalil are Pro Bowlers but haven't played like it this season. Over the past couple of years the Panthers have had a steady offensive line built of first and second-round draft picks. The strategy of building through the draft has worked thus far, but the depth of the line has been tested due to injuries.
With Otah hurt and Gross and Kalil struggling, the best move is to sit Clausen until the line is playing at a higher level. That likely will happen in a couple of weeks when Otah is back in the lineup.
Right now, benching Clausen is the best move for the team and for his future.
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