According to Darin Gantt of the Charlotte Observer, the Carolina Panthers are expected to start rookie quarterback Tony Pike in Week 11 against the Ravens. Gantt also reports that there was some chatter that practice squad QB Brian St. Pierre would start; however, Gantt says of Pike, "Unless he gets hit by a bus he starts." The Panthers have been one of the more cautious teams with concussions, and Jimmy Clausen suffered one at the end of their Week 10 loss to the Bucs. Pike, a sixth-round pick out of Cincinnati, only narrowly beat out current street free agent Hunter Cantwell for a roster spot in Panthers camp and will get a rude introduction against the Ravens on Sunday. It's fair to wonder at this point if the Panthers might be better off running a Wildcat-heavy offense with Armanti Edwards at the helm. Source: TheRedZone.org
Not necessarily win the division (although this is more than likely), but definitely make the playoffs. And whoever wins the division this year will miss the postseason next year.
Very interested to see how Pike plays... Definitely thought he had potential coming into the draft but saw him more of a project and a potential career backup.
If Bill Cowher does land with the Panthers.....I could see them at least fighting for a wild card spot next year.....if not win the division.
Change of plans.....the Panthers will start Brian St. Pierre against the Ravens. Pierre has more experience viewing the Ravens' defense while he was with Pittsburgh.