Cam Newton benched for start due to dress-code issue

Carolina quarterback Cam Newton did not start the Panthers' game Sunday due to a dress-code violation. Derek Anderson started at quarterback in his place.

Anderson was in the game for only one snap and threw an interception to Seattle linebacker Mike Morgan, setting up a Seahawks field goal early in the first quarter. Newton was back under center on Carolina's next drive.

Newton's absence was unexplained until halftime when coach Ron Rivera told NBC's Michele Tafoya about the dress-code issue, which was not explained further. Rivera made the decision, team spokesman Steven Drummond told ESPN.com. The coach also told Tafoya he didn't regret calling a pass for Anderson.

The start was Anderson's second of the season. Anderson played the full game for the Panthers in a 17-14 loss to Tampa Bay on Oct. 10 when Newton was out due to a concussion.