Adam Schefter is reporting that Panthers coach John Fox announced that Matt Moore will start over Jimmy Clausen at QB this Sunday against the 49ers. We'll have plenty more coverage about the 49ers victory over the Raiders, but this is certainly fairly pertinent information.
For this season Moore is 25 of 59 (42.4%) for 342 yards, 2 touchdowns, 6 interceptions and a QB rating of 33.3. Clausen appeared in the last four games, starting three of them and had faired only a bit better. He was 43 of 91 (47.3%) for 454 yards, 1 TD, 3 interceptions, and a QB rating of 52.2. Basically it became a choice of the lesser of two evils.
The 49ers have had some struggles in 10am games, but one would have to hope they can break through against Carolina for a second straight victory. In his day-after press conference earlier today Coach Singletary indicated the team would use the same practice plan that they used for the Atlanta Falcons game a few weeks back. Although the 49ers lost the game, they started out quite hot in jumping out to a 14-0 lead. So maybe they've found a working formula for East Coast 10am games.
Given the Panthers QB struggles, one would hope that at least the 49ers defense can jump on them quickly. Moore has had some solid moments in the past. He's been pretty awful this season, but he closed out 2009 with quite a flourish. Against the Vikings and Giants he put up a pair of huge performances. He's struggling at this point, but he's certainly got some big games in his arm.