Carolina Panthers leaning towards starting Derek Anderson, sitting Cam Newton
By Josh Hill
The Carolina Panthers are taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this afternoon in a game that many around the league will have eyes on.
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It’s not as though either team is being scouted as Super Bowl hopefuls, rather both team are rising talents in the NFC and both have the potential to truly break out this year. But ever since the middle of the preaseason, there ahs been doubts about whether or not Cam Newton will play the season opener against the Bucs.
According to Jay Glazer from FOX Sports, the Panthers probably won’t start Newton and will let him rest his ribs, leaning towards starting Derek Anderson in his place.
Cam Newton not expected to play as of now, per @JayGlazer
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 7, 2014
Glazer elaborated, noting that there is still time to make a decision that sees Newton start in Tampa Bay:
"Plan right now is to start Derek Anderson, not Cam Newton. Fear is shot on ribs puts Cam out 3-4 wks. Still up to Cam to change their minds and show he can protect himself"
It’s a 4:25pm start time for the Bucs and Panthers, meaning that there is still some time to evaluate Newton and make a game time decision. He likely won’t be ruled inactive until the final moment, but it’s looking like the new look Buccaneers defense is dodging a bullet on Sunday.
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