Derek Anderson: Hiding in Plain Sight

Is Derek Anderson ready for the bright lights of Monday Night Football?

As quarterback Cam Newton continues in the NFL concussion protocol, Derek Anderson prepares to make his first start of the season on Monday night. Following Newton’s exit during the fourth quarter of last week’s game in the Georgia Dome, Anderson entered and pulled the Panthers within one possession on two different occasions. In Newton’s absence Anderson completed 17-of-23 passes for 172 yards, and two touchdowns but also added two interceptions.

Keep in mind that the backup quarterback didn’t take his first snap until there was 9:16 remaining in the ball game. Prior to his appearance, Newton had completed less passes with more attempts. Some of Anderson’s success can be attributed to the Falcons entering a prevent style defense, up 16 points late in the contest, but he still managed to capitalize twice in the red zone.

In five-plus seasons of backing up the reigning league MVP, Anderson has filled in as the starter twice. Both instances took place in 2014 when Derek Anderson led the Panthers to victory over these same Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home and on the road. After suffering a fractured rib in the preseason, Anderson started Week One against the Buccaneers, throwing for 230 yards and two  touchdowns with no interceptions. The Panthers won 20-14.

Newton was involved in a car accident later in the season resulting in a fractured back for the franchise quarterback. Again, Anderson was called upon to lead the Panthers against Tampa Bay and he answered. Throwing for 277 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions, Carolina won 19-17 in Week Fifteen.

Aug 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates with quarterback Derek Anderson (3) during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The former Pro Bowl quarterback started 40 games in the NFL, mostly for the Cleveland Browns, prior to arriving in Carolina. Since landing in Charlotte, Anderson has appeared in 19 games including the two starts. In that time he has completed 91-of-131 pass attempts (69%), for 970 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions.

All eyes will be on Bank of America Stadium as the Panthers welcome the Buccaneers on Monday night in a pivotal divisional matchup for both teams. Currently each is 1-3 and with the New Orleans bye week, whoever wins on Monday will move into second place.

It remains uncertain if Newton will be active, but with the extra day he could be released from the concussion protocol in time. However, he did not participate in practice on Wednesday, pointing toward Anderson getting the call. Hiding in plain sight, you may not have taken notice but like L.L. Cool J, Anderson’s “been here for years” and will be looking to make “the competition pay the price,” again on Monday.

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