Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he would decide his starting quarterback before next week’s preseason game.
While Cam Newton looks like the favorite for the job, the rookie didn’t make a strong statement Friday night. Newton completed 7-of-14 passes for only 68 yards in one half of work.
The Panthers didn’t score with Newton at quarterback. Heck, they didn’t get over midfield as Miami dominated possession. When Newton misses throws, he often misses by a lot. Two of his out routes were not even close, and he skidded a pass over the middle.
Newton used his legs more, running four times for 18 yards. He did make some nice throws to his tight ends like last week, but this was a shakier performance than his debut overall.
Lucky for Newton, Jimmy Clausen didn’t do anything to stand out. He completed 9-of-15 passes for 69 yards. Like Newton, his accuracy and decision making was erratic. The Panthers scored 10 points with Clausen, but the touchdown came on the ground on a very short field.
If Rivera really does decide his QB next week, the tie figures to go to the No. 1 overall pick.