Fansided

NFL: 5 surprising performances from Sunday

By Evan Massey

Sep 7, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns (88) catches a 34-yard touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns (88) catches a 34-yard touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Derek Anderson (3) on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Derek Anderson (3) on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Derek Anderson, Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers had to face a much improved Tampa Bay Buccaneers team this afternoon, and they had to do it without star quarterback Cam Newton. Backup quarterback Derek Anderson had to start in Newton’s place, and he was able to come through in a big away for the Panthers. Carolina is coming off of a great season last year, but they want to get back to the postseason and actually win a game this year if possible.

Anderson came through with 230 yards and two touchdowns, while completing 24 of 34 passing attempts. Those numbers are big for a backup quarterback that was made the starting quarterback just a few minutes before the game. He also recorded a quarterback rating of 108.7 throughout the course of the game.

Carolina is happy to be 1-0 and are comfortable with Anderson if he has to start, but are going to welcome Newton back with open arms next week assuming he can play. Anderson came through in the clutch for his team, and they are one game closer to reaching their goal of making it back to the playoffs. It isn’t every day that a backup quarterback is forced onto the field and comes through with big numbers.

Home/Carolina Panthers