Lea: Carolina's Quarterback conundrum starts with Rhule

By Chris Lea, WRAL-TV sports anchor/reporter

Charlotte, N.C. — There's a Quarterback conundrum in Charlotte. The fans want Cam Newton. Matt Rhule wants Sam Darnold. David Tepper is just waiting on wins.

Tepper will be patient with Matt Rhule, as reports are circulating that Rhule's job is safe and that he should be back for his third season. That's the right call.

But what's the right call at quarterback?

Newton got the start today against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in what may end up being his final game at Bank of America Stadium on the Panthers roster. Newton dropped back to pass four times and ran the ball himself for a 33 yard gain before the Panthers offensive staff called a run play for Newton to hand it off. The Buccaneers have a stout run defense, but it sure felt like Rhule was going to make Newton prove his worth with his arm.

Newton's leash was short. Newton threw an interception on the Panthers next possession. When they got the ball back, Sam Darnold was in the game in his place and boos from the Carolina crowd rained down on the field as the fans just watched number 14 replace number 1.

Most Panthers fans understand Newton is not the long-term option at quarterback in Charlotte. They also know Darnold isn't either. But Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said he brought Darnold in to start, meaning his leash is longer than Cam's. After all, it was Rhule's decision to get rid of Newton in the first place after he got the job. Cam is not his guy.

But Cam belongs to Charlotte and to Panthers fans.

Matt Rhule has a problem. A problem he created nonetheless.

Rhule didn't seem to have a clear plan at quarterback coming into the Panthers job and now (sans PJ Walker) has had three starting quarterbacks under his watch. Neither Newton or Darnold are the long term answer, so Rhule will have to go out and find his fourth starting quarterback in the offseason whether in free agency or in the draft.

Cam and Sam combined for 22-45 passing and a 56.8 combined passer rating at the conclusion of the game. Neither were in a rhythm, neither looked comfortable.

Of course there are built in excuses for both in this game. Cam can always say he didn't come in until the middle of the season and had his offensive coordinator fired soon after. He never had time to learn and grow within this offense. Darnold is coming off of an injury to his throwing shoulder.

But what's the excuse for Rhule's poor handling of the quarterback position? He does deserve a third year to get it right, but that seat in his office at 800 South Mint Street in Charlotte, is getting warmer.

Rhule, you're on the clock.