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Cam Newton and Jimmy Clausen struggled as the Miami Dolphins downed the Carolina Panthers, 21-10.
Cam Newton started at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers on Friday night, but his team is down, 17-0, at halftime to the Miami Dolphins. It hasn't been the strongest of start for Newton, who is 7-of-14 for 66 yards with zero touchdowns and interceptions. Newton has had trouble finding his wide receivers, completing just one pass to that corps. He did find his tight ends, Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen, for five of his completions. He ended the first half with a 50-yard Hail Mary pass that wound up incomplete.
Miami starting quarterback Chad Henne has rushed for more yards than Newton, 20 yards to 18. Henne completed 15-of-24 passes for 192 yards in the first half, but Miami's touchdowns have come on the ground. Lex Hilliard and Daniel Thomas each have a rushing touchdown.
Dolphins running back Reggie Bush gave way to Thomas in the red zone, but he was explosive elsewhere. He rushed eight times for 48 yards and caught two passes for 33 yards.
Check out Cat Scratch Reader and The Phinsider for live commentary during the game.
The Panthers will travel south to take on the Dolphins in Miami Friday night as part of week two of the NFL's preseason schedule. Once again, all eyes will be on first overall draft pick Cam Newton, who will be making his first NFL start at quarterback over last week's starter Jimmy Clausen. Also making his 2011 debut is veteran Panther receiver Steve Smith who returned to practice this week after sitting out last week due to an injured hand. The Panthers defeated the Giants last week by a score of 20-10.
For the Dolphins, quarterback Chad Henne will be the starting quarterback even though he struggled in last week's 28-23 win over the Falcons. Henne completed four of his eight passes for 77 yards for one touchdown and two interceptions. Backup quarterback Matt Moore had a better game, completing 11 of 18 passes for 123 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, but even though he played better, head coach Tony Sparano said he isn't ready to change his starting quarterback. That could change in the future, though. Also, making his debut for the Dolphins is former USC standout and Saints running back Reggie Bush.
Check out Cat Scratch Reader and The Phinsider for live commentary during the game. Here's some more information on the game Friday night:
Game Date/Time: Friday, August 19; 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Sun Life Stadium, Miami, Florida
TV Schedule:
Charleston: WCCB FOX 18
Miami: WFOR 4 (CBS)
TV Distribution Map: The506.com
Panthers Vs. Dolphins Final Score: Cam Newton, Jimmy Clausen Fail To Create Room In Quarterback Battle In 20-10 Loss
Cam Newton's first preseason start didn't go quite as he had hoped. The Carolina Panthers lost, 20-10, to the Miami Dolphins and were shut out when Newton was quarterbacking his team. The No. 1 overall pick the 2011 NFL Draft played the entire first half, completing just 7-of-14 passes for 66 yards. He did excite the crowd with a 50-yard Hail Mary pass to end the first half, but it fell incomplete. He had trouble connecting with his wide receivers; instead, five of his completions went to tight ends Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen.
Jimmy Clausen looked better for the Panthers this time around, leading them to two scoring drives in the second half. However, statistically, he didn't stand out over Newton. He completed 9-of-15 passes for 69 yards. Adi Kunalic kicked a 38-yard field goal and Tyrell Sutton rushed for a four-yard touchdown in the final quarter.
Miami's Chad Henne was the best quarterback on the field Friday night. He threw for nearly 200 yards on 15 completions. Reggie Bush helped Henne and the offense click, as he caught two passes for 33 yards and rushed eight times for 48 yards. Brandon Marshall grabbed five balls for 46 yards.
The Panthers (1-1) visit the Cincinnati Bengals for their next game. The Dolphins (2-0) also play on the road with a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Check out Cat Scratch Reader and The Phinsider for post-game analysis.
Aug 19 11:00p by Russ Oates - 1 comment