Source: Panthers leaning to stick w/Clausen & pick Dareus

[LiQuiD]

I always believe tweets where the tweeter can't even spell the player's name right.

[CatMan72]

Rivera can start his first season with Clausen as his QB, because he didn't pick Clausen... so nobody (least of all the Panthers) can blame him if Clausen fails... especially since Clausen already failed last year.

[CRA]

Rivera can start his first season with Clausen as his QB, because he didn't pick Clausen... so nobody (least of all the Panthers) can blame him if Clausen fails... especially since Clausen already failed last year.

Rivera ain't a lameduck coach....this is his team now.

starting Clausen and expecting him to pickup a new offense AND dramaticaly improve (which doesn't happen w/ QBs in year 2)....would just be foolish.

Rivera doesn't appear foolish. Which is why Rivera has consistantly spoken about finding a QB since the day he stepped foot in Carolina.

[monstercat]

I love how everybody seems to have a "source" within the Panthers organization who is telling them how they're gonna draft. I don't believe any of these reports, regardless of who they think the Panthers are gonna draft. In fact, I doubt the Panthers even know yet.

[teeray]

Rivera can start his first season with Clausen as his QB, because he didn't pick Clausen... so nobody (least of all the Panthers) can blame him if Clausen fails... especially since Clausen already failed last year.

If they stick with Clausen and draft a QB next year, allow that QB to sit (as he should) for Rivera's second year, then in his third year Rivera may be relying on a first year starter as his only hope to save his job.

They may not draft a QB this year, but I imagine there will be at least one new face at the position before the season starts next year. Whether that be FA or trade.

Rivera thought strongly enough about it to discuss it in the interview process.

Plus Scot will be on here in a second to remind us that there is no way these reporters know what our intentions are at this point because we don't know what our intentions are at this point. We haven't finished evaluating everyone yet (and Scot is right).

[jramsey4]

My sources say we are drafting Newton. See I can make crap up too.

[CatMan72]

Rivera ain't a lameduck coach....this is his team now.

starting Clausen and expecting him to pickup a new offense AND dramaticaly improve (which doesn't happen w/ QBs in year 2)....would just be foolish.

Rivera doesn't appear foolish. Which is why Rivera has consistantly spoken about finding a QB since the day he stepped foot in Carolina.

I'm not saying he's a lame duck, but the idea that Rivera can't afford to start his head coaching career off with Clausen is silly... Clausen isn't "his" QB and there are already serious questions about whether or not Clausen can be a QB in the NFL, so Rivera has nothing to lose with Clausen under center (other than a few games).

On the other hand, if Rivera talks the Panthers into drafting one of these QB's and they are a bust, he has everything to lose.

[teeray]

The only reason I give the Cam Newton possibility so much credibility has nothing to do with any sources or reports.

It is because we have had at least 3 dinners with him, had 6 people at his pro day, had a private workout, and have invited him to visit Charlotte.

I realize that none of that means we are drafting him but it does likely mean he is/was being strongly considered.

[Ricky Spanish]

*cough* smokescreen *cough*

[DaCityKats]

new coaches bring their guy in most of time. and clausen is not a rivera guy. i seriously doubt he will be content with him as the qb for another year if he does not progress any.

[CRA]

I'm not saying he's a lame duck, but the idea that Rivera can't afford to start his head coaching career off with Clausen is silly... Clausen isn't "his" QB and there are already serious questions about whether or not Clausen can be a QB in the NFL, so Rivera has nothing to lose with Clausen under center (other than a few games).

On the other hand, if Rivera talks the Panthers into drafting one of these QB's and they are a bust, he has everything to lose.

again, there is no logic for Rivera to sit on his hands and roll the dice w/ Clausen this upcomnig season.

Rivera has a lot to lose to by starting Clausen. Starting Clausen means he brought nothing in at QB.....which means a wasted season. A season that he couldn't legitimately install his offense (and have it function) and get this team on track.

since day one Rivera has talked about findind a QB to anyone willing to listen. Clausen won't be the best option for Rivera.......allowing Clausen to be your best option is how you go right back to being DC.

[Jackofalltrades]

Good, though I don't think Clausen should be shot at dawn yet I would like to see a mid level FA QB brought in to help him out and win some games.

Darius makes the most sense to me, followed by Peterson and then Fairley.

[eViL jEsTeR]

I would be satisfied.

PP is my favorite pick, but Dareus sure as hell is a monster.

I am not suprised by this news, Rivera did say we would draft according to biggest postion of need, right?

IMO, our rush defense was more of a liability than our QB play. We have some great weapons on offense and a new coordinator than may be able to use all of those players to their potental, encluding Clausen and Edwards.

I agree. How much of Clausen's crappy play was really his skills and abilities vs his being a rookie vs him having a festering turd of an OC calling plays for him vs a team decimated by injuries vs not getting #1 reps in training camp vs rookie receivers....

I think with a healthy team and an OC that has any ability at all could make him a acceptable QB. Honestly, is it really fair to judge him solely on last years performance with all of the obstacles he had against him?

Wouldn't you kinda expect a rookie to suck given so many strikes against him?

[Udogg]

I would like for us to draft Cam Newton. However I also see the need at defensive tackle. If this is the route he takes. Cool. I just hope that Clausen is ready to play. Or barring that Moore is actually ready to go.