Why its a good idea:
Cam Newton is our starting QB, and has been very reliable and dependable his first three years in the league, no question. However, coming off of ankle surgery, it will be interesting to see how well Cam holds up given his style of play. Our offensive line is in a state of flux after the retirements of Gross, Wharton, and Hangartner, and as we've seen so far this preseason, still needs work on its pass protection.
With these factors in play, will Cam be able to hold up for at least 16 games? With the quarterback position being the most important in the NFL, it is important to have someone waiting in the wings who can not only carry the team if SHTF (knocks on wood), but is also a backup with the same style of play so that the transition under center does not disrupt the offense's pace. Derek Anderson and Joe Webb have shown this preseason that they are reliable options if they are asked to step up, but is Webb good enough to warrant Carolina keeping three quarterbacks on the active roster?
Derek Anderson:
Derek Anderson has been phenomenal this preseason; 10/15 for 156 yds. and 2 touchdowns passing, and some "WHAAAT!" moments as well with his surprising athleticism. The 8 year veteran is the obvious back-up, and has plenty of experience as a starter. With Cam missing most of OTAs, Anderson has spent the most time working with our new corp of wide receivers, the results of which we have seen the past two weeks. If the offense found itself at DEFCON 2, Anderson will be able to step in immediately and save the day.
Joe Webb:
However, Anderson is a back up for a reason. Although his mentorship and experience had benefited Cam greatly, if SreallyHTF and we find ourselves at DEFCON 1, Joe Webb has shown he is a reliable fail safe. This preseason, he has played the most (18/31 207 yds and a touchdown) and was obvioulsy brought in due to his similar play style to Cam. Whereas Anderson has the most experience, Webb is no stranger to stepping up when needed as seen by his time in Minnesota. During his rookie year in 2010, Webb came in for a two-steps-from-death Brett Favre late in the season, while winning his first start and leading the Vikings to an upset win over the Eagles in the season finale. In 2011 & 2012, he came in for a oft injured and struggling Christian Ponder, eventually starting in the Vikings Wild Card match-up against the Packers in 2012 (which actually makes him the second most playoff experienced QB on the roster).
I believe Cam will make it through the season, he was sacked twice & pressured by the Chiefs and didn't seem to have any problems moving on his ankle. But for a team looking to repeat as NFC South Champs, who face the defensive football conferences that are the NFC and AFC North this season, its not a bad idea to make sure we have a reliable fail-safe in place just in case. Anderson has the experience, while Webb has the most complimentary style to our offense.
Its up to Webb to continue his outstanding play against New England to guarantee himself a spot on the team, and given our offensive doubts, Derek Anderson's up and down career, and our track record for cutting players only to have them snatched up once they clear waivers, Carolina should strongly consider keeping Joe Webb and carrying three QBs through this season.
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