What's needed at QB?

[Mr. Scot]

Saw an item on PFT today listing where Jags coach Jack Del Rio essentially pulled a "damn with faint praise" on quarterback David Garrard (link)

Brings up a question.

Back before Matt Moore stepped in and had one of the best five game runs since the 70s, Garrard was a QB option I was pretty high on. To be clear, I'm still high on him, but I'm no longer dead certain we need to acquire a starting quality QB (Garrard is certainly better than backup quality and could likely start somewhere else).

Broadening the scope of the question beyond Garrard, I'm wondering what the general feeling among folks is now regarding what's needed at the QB spot.

Do the Panthers need....

- a new starter (replacing Moore entirely)

- a potential starter (aka competition)

- a solid backup (Moore is established, just get a good backup)

- a QB of the future (high draft pick to sit the bench for one to three years then take over)

- a third QB only (first two spots set, get an undrafted guy to develop as a project)

- nothing at all (re-sign McCown, keep Moore as a starter and let McCown, Delhomme and Cantwell battle for the second and third spots)

What say you?

[The Link]

I think we need to draft one and bring in a quality FA so we can let them go head-to-head with Moore in TC and pre-season. That way whoever wins out will be the undisputed starter.

[Mr. Scot]

I think we need to draft one and bring in a quality FA so we can let them go head-to-head with Moore in TC and pre-season. That way whoever wins out will be the undisputed starter.

Keep in mind you have to do something with Jake in this process.

Do you cut him outright and eat his salary or let him at least try to win the backup job?

[scpanther22]

Because of that horrid contract..I think Jake is going to be the a potential starter (aka competition)..Might as well get a rookie in here and let him sit.

[Brooklyn Bully]

You have to have someone compete with Moore, as he IS NOT proven...yet. Sadly, that person will be Jake. They may draft someone, but with McCown and Cantwell out there, they will not bring in a FA.

They need to though! If Moore is not the answer...and we know Jake isn't...and McCown and Cantwell are backups...that leaves us in the same place we've always been in, and that's putting a decent team on the field with an average QB. It's time to get a great QB. But that's easier said than done.

[Fiz]

An older vet with no aspirations of starting that has mastered the monday-friday aspect of the game who can teach moore a thing or two he's picked up through the years.

[The Link]

Keep in mind you have to do something with Jake in this process.

Do you cut him outright and eat his salary or let him at least try to win the backup job?

I would let him try to win the backup job, if only so he could contribute by helping the young QB's on the team in practice and such.

[Mr. Scot]

An older vet with no aspirations of starting that has mastered the monday-friday aspect of the game who can teach moore a thing or two he's picked up through the years.

Technically, that's Delhomme, except for the "no aspirations" part, but he wouldn't cause a fuss.

Add in that he already knows the Panthers as well.

Do you want him as "that guy" or do you look elsewhere?

[scpanther22]

Technically, that's Delhomme, except for the "no aspirations" part, but he wouldn't cause a fuss.

Add in that he already knows the Panthers as well.

Do you want him as "that guy" or do you look elsewhere?

I think his contract forces him to be that guy

[TerriblePizza]

Delhomme presents a very difficult situation. With that contract, and obvious emotional investment from the front office and the coaching staff (and to some extent, the fans), he very likely will not be cut this season.

So, I think we move forward with Delhomme and Moore competing to start, and in all likely hood (though I hate to say it), Delhomme probably starts the season once again as our starter.

Given that, I hope we draft a quarterback of the future and sit him behind Moore and Delhomme to learn for a few seasons.

However, knowing our front office, we probably won't pick a QB and instead sign a veteran FA as the 3rd QB (Probably bringing Feely or McCown back.)

[Lumps]

Guys get drafting a QB out of your head. The panthers first draft will be a wide receiver, unless they trade for one, and then it will be defense, bank on it. The is no way Fox is going to draft a QB. That would mean he would have to actually work on a QB, which he doesn't have a clue about which is why Fox requires a QB with 'intangibles' IMO. This is also his last year and with a new a QB it'll be impossible to improve his resume or chances of being back. Finally it just simply isn't Fox's style. He wants a vet and he'll get a vet (Hopefully Mcnabb or even better Garrad). So if there is no trade that leaves Delhomme and Moore, and I think we all know where Fox sits with those two.

I sense Delhomme being thoroughly tested during the preseason games...watch for it and pray he doesn't slip in a few last great games or even average games for that matter.

[Darth Biscuit]

I agree with MMH and to answer your question... cut Jake, get a potential starter FA and draft a 3rd/4th round prospect and let them compete for the job. I also would not be opposed to Fiz's idea of a vet to "coach up" Moore.

[TerriblePizza]

Oh, and just to note, finding solid starters in second round QBs is VERY difficult. I can only think of one or two off the top of my head, the #1 being Drew Brees. Kolb is intriguing, but not a proven starter yet.

Other than those two, I can't think of any other successes.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

- a QB of the future (high draft pick to sit the bench for one to three years then take over)

That's my choice.

Moore may not be an elite quarterback, but he's already (in my opinion) proven himself a better option than any free-agent quarterback this year. It's also unlikely that a rookie would be a better option at this time.

Yes, it's unfortunate that the Panthers extended Delhomme's contract, but he is a near-perfect backup for this team. Keep him as your No. 2 should something happen to Moore, and let a new guy learn under both of them.