Matt Moore says 'youth movement' no excuse

[Dpantherman]

Panthers quarterback Matt Moore said in a telephone interview this afternoon that he's excited for the Panthers' offseason conditioning program to start on Monday. He'll walk into Bank of American Stadium in a new role -- as the starting quarterback.

Despite the role change, he said he doesn't want to seem any different to his teammates.

"I'm going to try and keep everything the same," said Moore, who signed his one-year. $3.043 million offer sheet this morning. "I don’t want it to be different other than just being accounatable and being there for my teammates and things like that. I don’t think I have to change or be different, (but to) just be reliable, perform, work hard, and try and be as prepared as I possibly can for the season."

Moore said he was surprised and sad when the Panthers cut veteran Jake Delhomme last week, which opened the way for Moore to be the clearcut starter without a lingering quarterback controversy.

"I'm definitely sad to see Jake go; he's a good friend of mine," said Moore. "I learned a lot from him and appreciate everything he did for the team and me.

"To be honest, the thought (of Delhomme being released) never crossed my mind. I didn’t think anything of it. When it happened, it was a shock to me. But I understand that’s how the business goes.

"(But) what an opportunity for myself. I've just got to be prepared and start this season the same way we finished last season. That all starts with the offseason workouts. I'm just really excited and kind of stepping back and taking it all in. A lot’s going on. I've to get better this offseason."

Moore stepped into the lineup in the 12th game last season after Delhomme suffered a broken knuckle on the middle finger of his right (throwing) hand. Carolina was 4-7 at the time.

Moore led the Panthers to a 4-1 record, allowing them to rally for an 8-8 finish. He threw eight touchdown passes and one interception in those games. Delhomme had endured his most difficult season as a pro, throwing a career high 18 interceptions.

Moore said he was also sad to see numerous other Panthers' veterans players released recently, but that he doesn't question the moves.

"It’s been interesting. It’s sad to see them go. But at the same time, I’m not going to second guess Mr. Richardson, Marty Hurney or anybody like that.

"Those guys know what they’re doing. They have a vision of what they want and and I guess this is how they’re getting there. It’s sad to see but we've got to move on, work with what we’ve got and be ready to go."

Moore said the Panthers' roster depletions are no reason to think the team can't be competitive next season.

"The youth movement -- that term everyone is using -- that's no excuse," he said. "There are quality guys here. There are going to be younger guys who are going to have to step up and play those roles. That's why we're all here -- to play the game at a high level.

"The challenge is to be consistent. I know we have the guys to do it. I definitely feel we can be competitive."

Moore knows the Panthers are going to add at least one quarterback to either back him up or provide competition. He said he doesn't know how the team intends to address the need.

"I know they’ve got to bring somebody in, possibly in the draft, or an older veteran, somebody to learn from, or somebody who’s been around wouldn’t be bad.

"There have been a ton of names out there. I don’t know how much water (any of) that holds. I'm excited to see who they get and move forward with whoever that is."

Moore is already stepping in as a leader

[Jangler]

Beason called him out

[2jakefansinva]

He's saying all the right things.................. Now let's do the right things. Become a leader.

[Montie_0123]

I'm hoping he has a great year because I've been pulling for this guy and I want him to be the fulltime starter for many more years for carolina!!

[jasonluckydog]

Looks a little ***** to me.

[Brooklyn Bully]

Saying and doing are two different things. Hopefully they put their money where their mouths are.

[SmootsDaddy89]

[Wither]

This year is definitely going to be interesting.

[jramsey4]

This year is definitely going to be interesting.

I think its a boom or bust year either under .500 or deep into the playoffs. There is still a ton of potential on this team. And I mean potential we have already seen. Its basically if they can just show what we have seen in glimpses ever play over the course of a season

[Wither]

I think its a boom or bust year either under .500 or deep into the playoffs. There is still a ton of potential on this team. And I mean potential we have already seen. Its basically if they can just show what we have seen in glimpses ever play over the course of a season

And that kind of year doesn't come around all that often, in my opinion. Those are special years that give a team its image for years to come. Note that either image is good: doing well means you are well-known and regarded and not doing well gives you more of an opportunity to be a "surprise." Yeah, yeah, I know; people around here don't like that "under the radar" thing, but just look at what Arizona did (to us, lol).

[Mr. Scot]

Good to see him step into that role. He'll be expected to now that he's in the driver's seat.

Delhomme was one of the best at PR and public image. Moore likely won't be quite as good in that regard, but of course it's what's on-field that matters most.

[carpanfan96]

Good to see him step into that role. He'll be expected to now that he's in the driver's seat.

Delhomme was one of the best at PR and public image. Moore likely won't be quite as good in that regard, but of course it's what's on-field that matters most.

He definitely started off on the right foot PR wise.

[Leeroy Jenkins PhD]

Good to see him step into that role. He'll be expected to now that he's in the driver's seat.

Delhomme was one of the best at PR and public image. Moore likely won't be quite as good in that regard, but of course it's what's on-field that matters most.

I mean Moore is no Big Ben, but he sounds good so far.

[stan786]

Matt Moore is going to be here for a while, he will end his career the best quarterback in the franchises history. You might doubt him now but watch out, Pro Bowls and beyond are in his future.