Rookie Clausen to start for Panthers after Fox benches ineffective Moore

Clausen to start for Panthers; Moore benched

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Jimmy Clausen era is under way in Carolina, ahead of schedule.

Panthers coach John Fox said Monday he’s benching the struggling Matt Moore and will start the rookie from Notre Dame on Sunday against Cincinnati.

Moore has had two miserable weeks. He threw three end zone interceptions and lost a fumble before leaving with a concussion in a Week 1 loss to the New York Giants. After being cleared to return Sunday, Moore threw an interception and lost another fumble before getting yanked early in the fourth quarter in a 20-7 loss to Tampa Bay.

Moore has led Carolina on only two touchdown drivers, completed just 41 percent of his passes and has a passer rating of 41.8.

Clausen is 7 of 15 for 59 yards and one interception in two brief stints.