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Carolina Panthers: Get To Know The Backup Quarterbacks

By Raphael Garcia

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Roster depth is an important aspect of a successful football team. History has created many different examples of teams that have been devastated due to an injury to one key position: quarterback. When a team loses their leader it is usually very difficult to bounce back. To help deal with that situation, teams try to construct a depth chart that includes capable backup options. With Cam Newton signing a new deal the hope is that these individuals will not see much time on the field, but here is a look at the backup quarterbacks of the Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers have built a roster that includes two very interesting and capable individuals to back up Newton. Derek Anderson and Joe Webb are two men that have tasted what it means to be a starter at the highest level of professional football. With varying degrees of success, both players are the type of athletes that teams look to recruit when looking for backup quarterbacks to support their starters.

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Anderson is best-known for his time as a Cleveland Brown where he played until 2009 after being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens but never actually signing with that team. 2007 is perhaps his best season as a starter as he put together a 10-5 record in the 15 games that he started. According to Pro-Football Reference he would hit his highest quarterback rating of 82.5.

Unfortunately for Anderson, he would not be able to maintain the momentum and would find himself not only losing his starting spot, but being jettisoned from the roster entirely. Luckily, he’s joined the Panthers where he’s served very well as a backup to Newton since 2011.

Webb has gone through a similar career track as his teammate Anderson. According to Pro-Football Reference 2011 was his most productive year as a quarterback as he played in 11 games and started one for the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings would use Webb as a dual threat option, passing and catching the ball. However, the team would eventually bring in Matt Cassel and attempt to move Webb into other positions. That attempt would be unsuccessful and he would sign with the Panthers in 2014.

What is most important about Anderson and Webb is that they have experience being under center. Quarterbacks with such experience are valuable role players for each NFL organization. In 2014 Anderson had to start two critical games for the Panthers to start and help close out their playoff bound year. Webb’s greatest success came when he filled in for Christian Ponder during his various points of struggle and injury.

While no one wants to see it, there is always a chance that a key player can go out for the season due to a horrific injury. To prepare for this situation, teams have to bolster their lineup with players that can immediately step in and produce. Derek Anderson and Joe Webb are two serviceable quarterbacks that have the potential and shown flashes of high level play in the past. Cam Newton is the go to man on the Panthers roster, but these two players have the skills have the ability to contribute as needed.

Next: Cam Newton: Is He Really A $100 Million Dollar Man?

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