The Panthers know they need some quarterback depth Graham Gano Jersey , but they aren’t looking for him in March.Panthers coach Ron Rivera just told reporters at the Scouting Combine that any potential backup to Cam Newton who isn’t on the roster would likely come from the college ranks.“If we did do anything, I think it’d probably be in the draft,” Rivera said.Starter Cam Newton is coming off an arthroscopic shoulder procedure after not being able to throw the ball downfield late last season, and Rivera indicated things were progressing well. They have Kyle Allen on the roster and Taylor Heinicke is a restricted free agent, and Rivera is working really hard to talk up those backups. But Allen was cut in training camp and only came back when it was an emergency last year, and it seems unwise to put too much stock on his performance in a throwaway game against the Saints to close the regular season.For a team that fell a game short of the playoffs last year when their starter fell apart, you’d think they’d take the search for a reliable backup more seriously. Hoping that it’s Allen seems like more of a wish than a plan Julius Peppers Jersey , and how early in the draft they address the position will be an indication of how they really feel about what’s on hand. In eight seasons, with multiple offensive coordinators, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has shown a flair for improvisation.But even after yet another example of him being better in a no-huddle situation than when he gathers his teammates around him before a play, Panthers coach Ron Rivera wasn’t going to commit to making it a staple of Newton and coordinator Norv Turner’s offense.Via Marcel Louis-Jacques of the Charlotte Observer, Rivera explained the former defensive coordinator’s perspective that a no-huddle gone wrong can turn into an avalanche that can put a team even further behind.鈥淚f you go three-and-out, three-and-out, three-and-out DJ Moore Color Rush Jersey , next thing you know, your defense is constantly out there,鈥?Rivera said. 鈥淚t can wear your defense out as well. It is most certainly a team thing and I think a lot of it is situational and by rhythm.鈥淚 believe Norv has a good handle on it, I think what he did yesterday was right along the lines of trying to create some energy.鈥滲ecause Newton is much better when he gets into that quick no-huddle rhythm (and because he wasn’t very good when taking his time early, 9-of-17 for 68 yards through three quarters), there’s a temptation for fans to want that sugar high of quick-strike offense for larger portions of the game. Rivera’s like the parent who makes his kids eat the vegetables, instead. It’s the practical play James Color Rush Bradberry Jersey , if not the most daring. But practical plays are often the right ones.鈥淚 think it鈥檚 situational. Certain circumstances dictate a lot of the things that happen, more so than anything else,鈥?he said. 鈥æ·ecause there have been times when we start the game in no-huddle and go three-and-out. I just think it鈥檚 situational. Do we need to look at it? Most certainly, but I don鈥檛 think that鈥檚 going to drive who we are as an offense.鈥滽nowing he has it in his pocket helps, but Rivera’s not inclined to overuse it.
