This is the first time in the last seven years the Panthers have started training camp without backup quarterback Derek Anderson. Anderson was a good security blanket. He was professional, experienced, and generally competent. But he’s 35 now and the team decided to move on.
Enter Garrett Gilbert and Taylor Heinicke, two quarterbacks whose combined NFL stats total one completion for 10 yards. Reports from Monday’s practice included notes that Gilbert and Heinicke were throwing interceptions by the truck load. That ain’t good, people.
Having absolutely no proven depth behind Cam Newton should be a bigger red flag than it is right now.