There might be a quarterback dilemma brewing in the Queen City..
After quarterback Cam Newton was ruled out earlier in the week after re-aggravating a mid-ankle sprain, the 23-year-old back-up Kyle Allen was positioned to start his second career game Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
And the kid did not disappoint.
Allen completed 19 of 26 passes for 261 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. He connected with veteran tight end Greg Olsen for a pair of touchdowns and one to Curtis Samuel and DJ Moore.
Allen – playing in front of the hometown fans in Scottsdale, Arizona – looked calm, cool, and collected the moment he stepped on the field for Carolina, a team desperate for a win after starting the season 0-2.
“He’s a guy who really keeps his composure,” Carolina coach Ron Rivera said. “He understands. He’s smart. He’s got a good football mind.”
In his post game presser, Allen preached the notion of patience, not to do too much with the football and the success would come.
It was evident by the result.
My take: I may be jumping the gun a little early about there possibly be a quarterback dilemma in Carolina, but the question is worth raising an eyebrow to.
Injuries are starting to mount for Newton and his performance on the field has been sub-par at best. With Newton under center, the Panthers offense has been sluggish. Yeah, it’s one game against the 0-2-1 Cardinals, but the offense did a complete 180-degree turnaround with Allen.
Newton’s job is probably safe when he’s healthy, but the conversation is worth having if Allen continues to perform in his limited action.
Photo credit: Ralph Freso/Getty Images
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