Team should have done more at backup quarterback
The Carolina Panthers could have used another veteran for the position….
This next bit of news is news that Carolina Panthers fans may not want to hear. I hate that fact that I may have to be the bearer of bad news for some, but so be it.
During this week’s edition of Grill Bill, Bill Voth stated the Carolina Panthers are okay with the quarterbacks they have on their roster. Currently, they possess Cam Newton, Garrett Gilbert, Taylor Heinicke, and rookie Kyle Allen on their roster.
"They’re content – for now.It’s nearly impossible to get a good read on those guys against a defense that isn’t sending a proper pass rush. So the real tests for Garrett Gilbert and Taylor Heinicke will come in the preseason. And if neither do a good enough job, that’s when the Panthers may have to go another route."
To me, this raises a bit of concern. Although it is worth giving Gilbert, Henicke, and Allen a shot, a veteran presence is needed in that quarterback room. I thought the Carolina Panthers would at least give some thought to adding a veteran backup with ample in-game experience before the start of preseason camp. In that regard, I am a bit disappointed given the fact that rolling with three relatively unproven quarterbacks does not put a warm and fuzzy feeling in my stomach.
Back in June, Sports Illustrated said they had the worst backup situation in the league
On a positive note, this must mean that at least one of the backups in the quarterback room has really stood out during camp. It is always nice to have a capable backup on the roster. My guess is that right now, the competition is heating up between Gilbert and Heinicke. Ron Rivera gave them both an endorsement back in June, in saying that he felt comfortable putting them out there on gameday if need be.
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Personally, I would feel comfortable rolling Gilbert out there if the situation calls for it. He has at least bounced around from a couple of organizations with a track record of success, perhaps most notably the New England Patriots. He has been around the league a bit, and has the college resume to attest to the fact he is at least a serviceable quarterback.
Although his numbers while at Texas and SMU are not exactly the best, he has big game experience. He replaced an injured Colt McCoy (remember him?) in the 2010 BCS Championship Game. That has to count for something, right?
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Overall, I though the Carolina Panthers would do more to address the relative inexperience at the backup quarterback position. Aside from potentially Gilbert, there is not much there to work with. We will have to see if Ron Rivera’s confidence pays off.