Head to head: Panthers QB Jimmy Clausen vs. Steelers LB James Farrior

[stillers4me]

Since becoming the starting quarterback for the National Football League's worst team, rookie Jimmy Clausen has thrown seven interceptions in 243 attempts, averages just 5.4 yards per attempt and has the league's lowest passer rating (59.1). What's more, he has only 13 completions of 20 yards or longer, fewest in the NFL.

Now for the really bad news?

He has to face the Steelers after a loss.

Clausen, a second-round draft choice from Notre Dame, threw his first two touchdown passes of the season in Carolina's 19-12 victory Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals -- his first victory in the NFL. It was a modest but positive step for a player who had already thrown two interceptions for touchdowns in his previous seven starts.

But, tonight at Heinz Field, he will have to face a Steelers rush defense that, despite being the best in the league, is feeling slightly embarrassed and more than just a little honked off after the way it performed against the New York Jets.................

[salamander]

They better blitz the hell out of the Panthers.

[steeldevil]

His first TD pass was actually against the Saints in week 4. His second was against the Cardinals last Sunday...
So, yea, on passing situations send the house.
However, after watching the panthers pretty regularly my whole life I can tell you guys, they run a lot of draws from the shotgun on 3rd and 10+ :huh:

[Chidi29]

They better blitz the hell out of the Panthers.

It's really not just about that. It's just about giving him a ton of different looks.

It'd be just as effective to show a heavy blitz pre-snap then drop eight into coverage. Because you know he's going to be thinking about hitting his hot if he sees a potential blitz. And when you drop back, you take that away and force him into making a bad throw or taking longer to switch from his hot back to his #1 WR coming into the play.

[steelerdude15]

Papa L, we have to blitz the entire game and ram it down their throats. We CAN NOT play conservative just because Troy is not in tonight.

[stlrtruck]

The defense should be able to dominate the panthers. They have a very little punch and once they get to Clausen the secondary should be able to pick him apart one by one.