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Carolina Panthers News

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton wins two 2012 rookie awards
February 5
Charlotte Observer
 
"Cam Newton capped a record-breaking rookie season by taking home two trophies from a red-carpet awards show Saturday on the eve of Super Bowl XLVI. The Carolina Panthers' quarterback won the Pepsi Rookie of the Year Award, as well as AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after a season in which he threw for more yards than any rookie in NFL history. Newton, the No. 1 overall pick last year, set several league and team records, beginning with a 422-yard passing performance at Arizona that was the most prolific debut for a rookie quarterback."
NFL expands Thursday schedule
February 4
New York Post
 
"Are you ready for a lot more prime-time football? NFL commissioner Roger Goodell used his annual Super Bowl news conference yesterday to reveal the league is dramatically expanding the Thursday night package on its own network starting this fall. In what appeared to be a way to up the pressure in its long-running dispute with Time Warner Cable and Cablevision over New York-area carriage of the NFL Network, the league said that channel will now show Thursday games from Week 2 through Week 15. The NFL Network previously broadcast Thursday games the final eight weeks of the season, but Goodell said the expansion resulted from a desire to guarantee every team in the league at least one"
Cam Newton isn't excusing his Pro Bowl interceptions
February 3
Charlotte Observer
 
"It was essentially an exhibition against an AFC team whose defensive intensity fluctuated throughout the game. But Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton made no excuses for his poor showing in his first Pro Bowl last week in the NFC's 59-41 loss. Playing the entire second half, Newton was 9-of-27 passing with two touchdowns and three interceptions - one of which was returned for a touchdown. While Newton conceded it was difficult to gauge the intensity level of the defense, he said it shouldn't have mattered."
Goodell: If NFL expands, it'll add two more teams
February 3
CBSSports.com
 
"It's no secret the NFL wants to expand to Los Angeles. And while so much of the attention has been focused on which franchise would relocate to L.A. -- whether it's the Chargers, Vikings, Jaguars or Rams -- we haven't discussed much the possibility of the NFL expanding. Apparently, that's an option. Commissioner Roger Goodell said Thursday on Costas Live on the NBC Sports Network that if the league places a team in L.A., the NFL probably would add two more franchises to make it an even 34. Goodell said the league "doesn't want to move any of our teams" and "we probably don't want to go to 33" if the NFL decides expansion is a good choice."
Panthers' Newton agrees to promote Gatorade
February 2
Charlotte Observer
 
"Cam Newton, the Panthers quarterback who draped a Gatorade towel over his head on the sideline throughout his rookie season, has landed a multi-year marketing deal with the sports-drink giant, Gatorade officials announced Wednesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Newton, who also has sponsorship deals with Under Armour and GMC, said partnering with Gatorade fulfills a "childhood dream.""
Despite new logo, Panther uniforms won't change in 2012
February 1
Charlotte Observer
 
"Now that the Carolina Panthers' logo has changed, what about the team uniforms? If you're a traditionalist, you'll be happy with the answer to that question. If you're wanting something wild and different from a team that hasn't altered its uniforms since it began play in 1995, you won't. "I don't anticipate any changes at all in the uniforms," Charlie Dayton, the Panthers' team spokesman, said Tuesday. The logo will be incorporated into the helmets and jerseys, of course. But that's about it. There had been much speculation to the contrary, prompted partly by the NFL's decision to change uniform makers in 2012 (from Reebok to Nike) and partly (I believe) wishful thinking. Anyway, it's"
Ex-Niners coach: Cam Newton in "fast lane" to greatness
February 1
Charlotte Observer
 
"As his Pro Bowl performance showed – albeit in an exhibition where the intensity level ebbed and flowed like the Pacific tides – Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is not yet a finished product. But a former NFL coach believes Newton is well on his way to greatness. Ex-San Francisco coach Steve Mariucci, now an NFL Network analyst, raved about Newton's rookie season and predicted big things for last year's first overall pick."
Cam Newton featured on ESPN special this week
January 31
Charlotte Observer
 
"With his rookie season over, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton apparently is doing more national media. Newton, who limited his media availability during his first NFL season, will be among four of the league's biggest personalities featured on SportsCenter Special: NFL Face to Face with Hannah Storm at 9 p.m. Tuesday on ESPN2. The one-hour special will include interviews with Newton, Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Detroit defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and Colts owner Jim Irsay."
Cam Newton Pro Bowl performance: Ugh
January 30
Charlotte Observer
 
"Cam Newton won't lose the Rookie of the Year Award based on his Pro Bowl performance in the AFC's 59-41 win, but he didn't win over any of his critics, either. Playing the entire second half Sunday in relief of Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees, Newton completed just 9-of-27 passes for 186 yards, with three interceptions -- including one that was returned for a touchdown. Newton was plagued by overthrows -- a problem area even as he re-wrote the rookie passing records after the Panthers drafted him No. 1 overall last year."
New Panther logo revealed
January 30
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Carolina Panthers have altered their logo for the first time in the franchise's 18-year history, making slight refinements to provide what the team called "a more aggressive, contemporary look." "We have one of the finest and most recognizable logos in the NFL and wanted to make it as modern as possible without losing the dramatic essence of the mark," Panthers President Danny Morrison said. Left unsaid is how much - if any - the uniforms will change for the 2012 season other than incorporating the new logo into the helmets and jerseys."
Cam Newton wants Super Bowls, not Pro Bowls
January 29
Charlotte Observer
 
"Nothing against the perpetual sunshine, beautiful beaches and fruity drinks, but Cam Newton hopes he's not in Honolulu every year. As he prepares to take his place among the NFL's elite in the Pro Bowl tonight, the Carolina Panthers record-setting rookie quarterback has his sights on another postseason game next year - the one affixed with Roman numerals. "I wouldn't even want to be in this game, to keep it real frank and brash," Newton said. "Hopefully, I'll be playing for the right to be playing in the game next week." Players on Super Bowl teams are not eligible for the Pro Bowl, the NFL's version of the all-star game. That is how Newton ended up joining quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and"
Wilson and Anderson draw attention as backup for Cam
January 27
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Panthers met with former N.C. State and Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson this week and are exploring the possibility of adding a backup quarterback who would be a good fit in Rob Chudzinski's offense. Cam Newton broke several records and earned a Pro Bowl berth as an alternate after taking nearly every snap as a rookie. Derek Anderson, Newton's backup in 2011, is an unrestricted free agent; Jimmy Clausen was inactive for every game last season after going 1-9 as a starter in 2010. Anderson, who said he'd like to return to Carolina, has proven he can handle the passing portion of the scheme. He earned a Pro Bowl berth in 2007 with Cleveland when Chudzinski was the Browns' offensive"
Wilson and Anderson draw attention as backup for Cam
January 26
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Panthers met with former N.C. State and Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson this week and are exploring the possibility of adding a backup quarterback who would be a good fit in Rob Chudzinski's offense. Cam Newton broke several records and earned a Pro Bowl berth as an alternate after taking nearly every snap as a rookie. Derek Anderson, Newton's backup in 2011, is an unrestricted free agent; Jimmy Clausen was inactive for every game last season after going 1-9 as a starter in 2010."
Panthers secondary coach Wilks jumps right in
January 25
Charlotte Observer
 
"New Carolina Panthers secondary coach Steve Wilks has a room at an uptown hotel and no car. For good reason: As much as Wilks is happy to be back in Charlotte, he wants to minimize distractions as he begins work with his hometown team. "To come back home is really just the icing on the cake. It's definitely great," said Wilks, who graduated from West Charlotte in 1987 and played at Appalachian State. "I have a lot of love and passion for the city of Charlotte, being born and raised there.""
Cam Newton is Pro Bowl-bound
January 23
Charlotte Observer
 
"Cam Newton is headed to Hawaii. With Eli Manning and the New York Giants punching their Super Bowl ticket Sunday with a win at San Francisco in the NFC championship game, Newton is expected to take Manning's spot on the NFC team in the Pro Bowl on Jan. 29 in Honolulu. Newton, who broke Peyton Manning's rookie passing record, was the NFC's first alternate at quarterback behind Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers, New Orleans' Drew Brees and Manning, who were voted in."
Rivera, Hurney not fixed on 1st pick in 2012 NFL draft
January 22
Charlotte Observer
 
"The facts suggest the Carolina Panthers will look for help on defense at the top of April's NFL draft. After injuries to several key starters, the team allowed franchise records in points, touchdowns, total yards and passing yards in 2011. That leads most analysts to predict Carolina's first pick, set to be either eighth or ninth, will be a cornerback or a defensive lineman. But as the team's draft preparations begin in earnest with this week's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., general manager Marty Hurney said the Panthers are keeping an open mind. "I think we have needs really in all phases," Hurney said. "The first pick is the same year to year. I think you have to pick an impact player"
Panthers not locked on defensive player with 1st pick
January 21
Charlotte Observer
 
"Panthers coach Ron Rivera will take his entire staff to Mobile, Ala., next week to scout the Senior Bowl practices. And contrary to popular belief, the Panthers will not be limiting their focus to the defensive fields while evaluating possible prospects for their first-round pick. The Panthers, who will pick 8th or 9th based on the outcome of a coin flip with Miami, have needs on both sides of the ball, according to general manager Marty Hurney. "I don't think you lock yourself in to offense or defense as far as that first pick goes, and really any pick," Hurney said this week. "You have to go by your board. And we've done that and I think we've done well by doing that." The Panthers' most"
Panthers will go for D with top pick
January 20
Charlotte Observer
 
"Signs that spring can't be too far away: A groundhog seeing his shadow, pitchers and catchers reporting, and Mel Kiper Jr. publishing his first mock draft. Kiper released his first mock on ESPN.com this week, and the longtime draft analyst thinks the Carolina Panthers will try to improve their defense with their first pick."
Chudzinski set to interview with Bucs
January 17
Charlotte Observer
 
"As the Carolina Panthers welcomed a new addition to their coaching staff Monday, a key member of Ron Rivera's staff prepared to meet with one of the Panthers' NFC South rivals. The Panthers announced the hiring of San Diego Chargers secondary coach Steve Wilks, a West Charlotte graduate who will have the same position with the Panthers. Wilks, who played on Appalachian State's I-AA playoff teams in 1989 and 1991, will replace Ron Meeks, who was let go after three seasons with Carolina."
Goodell: NFL to consider some full-time officials
January 16
Chicago Tribune
 
"Aiming to ensure NFL rules are enforced the same way from game to game, the league will consider making about 10 officials full-time employees next season. As of now, all game officials are part-time employees. Responding to a question about consistency in officiating while speaking to a group of about 75 fans before Sunday's playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the proposal would bring a group of officials to the league offices in New York to help review game films and evaluate the calls. They then would be spread out among the crews at games."
Panthers let secondary coach Ron Meeks go
January 14
Charlotte Observer
 
"Panthers secondary coach Ron Meeks, one of only two holdovers from John Fox's staff, has been relieved of his duties, sources told the Observer on Friday. Meeks, who has two decades of NFL coaching experience, was with the Panthers' for three years, including two as Fox's defensive coordinator. Meeks and assistant defensive line coach Sam Mills III were the only assistants retained by Ron Rivera when he was hired last year."
Dilfer: Panthers QB Cam Newton fated for sustained success
January 14
Charlotte Observer
 
"For all the good things Cam Newton did on the field during his record-setting rookie season, it was a phone conversation Trent Dilfer had with Newton this week that convinced Dilfer the Panthers' quarterback is destined for sustained success. Dilfer, the ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback, called Newton on Tuesday to let him know he was coming to Charlotte for a speaking engagement. Newton told Dilfer he was finishing up a workout at Bank of America Stadium, and went on to describe how he'd spent the first two weeks of the offseason. "He's watched every snap of this season already on his own. He's not missed a day in the weight room. He's already running," Dilfer told the Hood Hargett"
Panthers WR Steve Smith's goal: Four more years, staying on top
January 14
Charlotte Observer
 
"Panthers receiver Steve Smith gets a little annoyed when someone suggests Cam Newton's arrival energized him. It's nothing against Newton, who Smith believes is a great quarterback. But Smith believes there was something more fundamental in helping him earn a fifth Pro Bowl berth - namely, an offense that got him the ball. "You can't charge up a battery that's already charged," Smith said this week during a phone interview. "And that's what I feel like. I just think I was sitting around waiting to be used, to be utilized." Under first-year coach Ron Rivera and offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, Smith said all of the Panthers' offensive play-makers were put in positions that allowed them"
Rob Chudzinski now on Tampa Bay radar
January 14
Charlotte Observer
 
"As soon as one door closes on Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski this offseason, another opens. That was the case again Friday, when Chudzinski lost out on the St. Louis Rams' head-coaching vacancy but was asked to interview for the opening in Tampa Bay, according to an NFL source. Chudzinski has interviewed the past two weeks with Jacksonville and St. Louis, which hired Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and former Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher, respectively. Fisher's decision period prompted the Rams to interview Chudzinski and Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as fallback candidates. Tampa Bay is looking for a replacement for Raheem"
Bucs to interview Bengals' Zimmer, Panthers' Chudzinski
January 14
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to have a renewed interest in hiring a rookie head coach. After focusing primarily on candidates with prior NFL head coaching experience, the Bucs were preparing Friday to interview Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, a source with knowledge of the search confirmed. Neither Zimmer nor Chudzinski has been a head coach before. It is not known when the interviews will be held. Zimmer, 55, and Chudzinski, 49, join a list of candidates that includes unemployed former head coaches Mike Sherman, Brad Childress and Marty Schottenheimer, as well as Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator"
Buccaneers receive permission to interview Mike Zimmer, Rob Chudzinski
January 14
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Perhaps Bucs fans haven't seen the last of their team's plan to hire a first-time head coach. Having spent the early phase of their search primarily meeting candidates with previous NFL head coaching experience, the Bucs on Friday received permission to interview Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. The Bucs did not announce when the interviews will happen. Zimmer, 55, interviewed for the Dolphins' coaching position earlier this week while Chudzinski, 43, interviewed with the Rams and Jaguars before those jobs went to Jeff Fisher and Mike Mularkey, respectively. Since firing Raheem Morris on Jan. 2, the Bucs had focused on Mike"
Was Cam Newton's rookie year the best ever?
January 13
Charlotte Observer
 columnist Scott Fowler
"I'm writing a column for Sunday's newspaper and online that will delve into the question of whether Cam Newton's rookie season should be thought of as the best by any player, at any position. I haven't made up my mind myself, although Peter King of Sports Illustrated has already written that he thinks it was. I'm still researching but thought you might enjoy a look at some of the competitors for this mythical "title" (a more complete list will be in Sunday's newspaper)."
Panthers assistant in line for Rams job
January 12
Charlotte Observer
 
"Not since LeBron James announced he was taking his talents to South Beach have Miami sports fans waited so anxiously on a sports personality to make a choice. Jeff Fisher's might not be The Decision, but it's a decision with tentacles that reach throughout the NFL, including the Carolina Panthers' coaching offices. After missing out on the Jacksonville Jaguars' head-coaching position, Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski is set to interview this week with the St. Louis Rams, according to multiple league sources."
Mularkey hire should keep 'Chud' in Charlotte
January 11
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Jacksonville Jaguars will introduce Atlanta offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey as their head coach Wednesday – a move that means the Panthers should be able to hang on to their own offensive coordinator for at least another year. Rob Chudzinski interviewed with Jacksonville last week after taking the Panthers' last-in-the-league offense in 2010 and turning it into a top-10 unit. Although there are still several openings around the league, including two more in the state of Florida, sources told the Observer no other teams have yet to contact the Panthers asking for permission to speak to Chudzinski."
Panthers counting on return of injured starters
January 8
Charlotte Observer
 
"Fans hoping for the Carolina Panthers to make a big splash in free agency might want to forget about those Mario Williams and Cortland Finnegan fantasies. The Panthers' philosophy under owner Jerry Richardson and general manager Marty Hurney has been to build through the draft, re-sign the team's own key free agents and fill in the gaps with lesser-known players. In Ron Rivera's first year as head coach, there has been little to suggest that approach has changed. Besides a top-10 pick in the April draft - Carolina will pick either 8th or 9th based on a coin flip with Miami - the Panthers hope the biggest additions this offseason are starters returning from the injured list. The Panthers"
Panthers' Chudzinski interviews for Jacksonville head coaching job
January 7
Charlotte Observer
 
"Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski interviewed for the Jacksonville Jaguars' head-coaching vacancy Thursday, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation. Chudzinski, 43, is one of several up-and-coming offensive coordinators the Jaguars have targeted to replace Jack Del Rio, who was fired in November after posting a 69-73 record in nine seasons. NFL.com reported this week that Cincinnati offensive coordinator Jay Gruden is the leading candidate. Jacksonville has received permission to talk with Atlanta's Mike Mularkey, the New York Jets' Brian Schottenheimer and Denver's Mike McCoy, a former Panthers assistant. New England's Bill O'Brien, who was one of the"
Jerry Richardson is happy with his Carolina Panthers
January 7
Charlotte Observer
 
"The worst part of 2010, says Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, was not his team's NFL worst 2-14 record. "What was so frustrating to me was that our supporters had lost hope," Richardson says. "I think people (now) have hope, enormous hope, in fact. That's the biggest thing to me." Richardson talked to the Observer for about an hour Wednesday afternoon. He's happy with his team, which won four of its last six games to finish 6-10. He's happy with the talent, the coaching staff and rookie quarterback Cam Newton. Is he happy with the defense? "There were times when I was frustrated," says Richardson, 75. "Not with the defense. With our tackling. That's not something I've talked about"
Jerry Richardson is happy with his Carolina Panthers
January 5
Charlotte Observer
 
"The worst part of 2010, says Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, was not his team's NFL worst 2-14 record. "What was so frustrating to me was that our supporters had lost hope," Richardson says. "I think people (now) have hope, enormous hope, in fact. That's the biggest thing to me." Richardson talked to the Observer for about an hour Wednesday afternoon. He's happy with his team, which won four of its last six games to finish 6-10. He's happy with the talent, the coaching staff and rookie quarterback Cam Newton."
Offseason means back to work for 2012
January 3
Charlotte Observer
 
"Less than 24 hours after a season-ending 45-17 loss at New Orleans, Panthers coach Ron Rivera said "you better believe" he and his staff will use the lopsided loss to the playoff-bound Saints as a key teaching point as they look toward next season. The loss, Rivera said, showed how much work is ahead for the Panthers, who improved from 2-14 to 6-10 this season. As players left Bank of America Stadium on Monday to begin their offseason, they left with a mixture of optimism and realism."
Sources: Jaguars to interview Panthers' offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski
January 3
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking for an offensive-minded coach, and the man who turned around the Carolina Panthers' offense is on the list. The Panthers have granted the Jaguars permission to talk to offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski about Jacksonville's head-coaching vacancy, league sources said Monday. Panthers first-year coach Ron Rivera confirmed a team contacted the Panthers about Chudzinski but would not identify the team."
For the 2012 season, the Panthers have to...
January 3
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Carolina Panthers walked out of Bank of America Stadium late Monday morning, and every player I talked to was confident they had the leadership and talent to be something in 2012. I suspect last season Tampa Bay was similarly confident. The Buccaneers won 10 games in the 2010 season. This year they quit and their coach was fired. For Carolina to contend in 2012 it has to do several things right."
Source: Jaguars interested in hiring Panthers' offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski
January 2
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Jacksonville Jaguars have contacted the Panthers about interviewing offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski for the Jaguars' head coaching vacancy, according to an NFL source. Panthers first-year coach Ron Rivera confirmed a team had contacted the Panthers about Chudzinski, but would not identify the team until Panthers owner Jerry Richardson had been notified. Rivera also indicated the Panthers would be proactive in trying to keep Chudzinski. Chudzinski, 43, led the Panthers to the most prolific offensive season in their 17-year history. With rookie quarterback Cam Newton directing Chudzinski's diverse attack that featured option runs and downfield passes, the Panthers finished with a"
Pressley notches 5 tackles for Panthers
January 2
Charlotte Observer
 
"For a guy who teammate Jordan Gross said was playing offensive line on the scout team at practice last week, former N.C. State defensive tackle DeMario Pressley made the most of his first playing time with the Panthers. Pressley, who was added to the active roster Friday after receiver Legedu Naanee was placed on injured reserve, finished with five tackles, tying him for fourth on the team. The Panthers are the third stop for Pressley this season. He was previously on the practice squad in Indianapolis and Denver. He played for New Orleans for parts of three seasons beginning in 2008 before joining Houston in 2010. "It was kind of weird," Pressley said of his sudden role change with the"
At 6-10, Panthers keep hope alive
January 2
Charlotte Observer
 columnist Scott Fowler
"What the Carolina Panthers lacked in wins during the first year of the Cam Newton era, they made up for in hope. The Panthers finished what was officially their 2011 season on the first day of 2012 on Sunday, getting blasted 45-17 by New Orleans to finish 6-10. For the third straight season, the Panthers didn't make the playoffs. They looked thoroughly overmatched Sunday against a Saints team that might win another Super Bowl. And yet there's a far different vibe surrounding the Panthers than there was exactly a year ago. Then, the Panthers finished 2-14. Their coach was leaving. Their quarterback was overwhelmed. Their offense was literally the worst in the NFL. It's much different now."
Cam Newton: Finale a beginning, not an end
January 2
Charlotte Observer
 
"Cam Newton will have plenty of time to appreciate all he accomplished in his record-setting rookie season with the Panthers, but Sunday afternoon wasn't that time. The sting of a season-ending 45-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints was still fresh as Newton emerged from the Panthers' locker room with a scowl on his face. He had completed 15 of 25 passes for 158 yards, modest numbers by his standards. Newton threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Steve Smith when he saw the Pro Bowler in single coverage in the first quarter, but he also threw a critical end-zone interception in the second quarter when Smith adjusted his route in coverage. In the second half, Newton and the Panthers gained just 66"
Saints point out how far Panthers have to go
January 2
Charlotte Observer
 
"Drew Brees can embarrass any defense. That we know. Yet what the New Orleans quarterback did to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday - particularly on one 42-yard Saints touchdown just before halftime - should be burned into the minds of a Panthers defense that must get so much better in 2012. With the score tied at 17, New Orleans had advanced to the Carolina 42 but had used all of its timeouts and had only 16 seconds left in the half. The Panthers, at worst, were going to give up a John Kasay field goal if they didn't let the Saints' receivers get behind them. But in a season where the Panthers defense set franchise-worst records for most points and most yards allowed, nothing was ever"
Panthers end season in rout at New Orleans
January 2
Charlotte Observer
 
"Throughout Ron Rivera's first season, the Panthers applied bandages to an ailing defense that lost starters the way kids lose Lego pieces. Sunday, at a loud and packed Superdome, one of the best offenses in NFL history ripped off those bandages and administered one of the worst defensive beatings in Carolina's 17-year history. New Orleans rang up a franchise-record 617 yards and rattled off 28 unanswered points to roll into the playoffs following a 45-17 victory against Carolina. Forced to use a patchwork defense again, the Panthers (6-10) surrendered the most yards and first downs (33) in their history. For the season, Carolina allowed franchise highs in points (429), touchdowns (50),"
Even on his way out, Kasay stayed classy
January 1
Charlotte Observer
 columnist Scott Fowler
"Good mail. It's so rare these days. Think about it. Except for December, when the holiday cards come, how often throughout the year do you ever pull something out of your mailbox and say, "Wow, what a nice surprise! I wasn't expecting that." Few people write letters anymore. Today's mailboxes usually are stuffed with bills, advertisements and attempts to make you sign up for another credit card you don't need. So when I looked in my work mailbox during early August and found two letters in a heavy envelope from former Panthers kicker John Kasay, I was shocked. He had dropped the envelope off at the Observer a few days after the Panthers had made a stunning move - firing Kasay, the last"
Carolina Panthers facing critical offseason issues
January 1
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Carolina Panthers will look across the Superdome Sunday and see a New Orleans Saints team preparing for the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Meanwhile, the Panthers will miss the postseason party for the third year in a row. But many of the team's veteran players believe they are not far from contending again. "We were a lot of players away last year," said center Ryan Kalil. "This year I think we're really close. And that's exciting.""
Panthers' QB Cam Newton silences his doubters
January 1
Charlotte Observer
 
"After a four-month lockout and a summer with more labor talks than football discussion, the NFL returned for its opening weekend on the 10-year anniversary of 9-11. In Glendale, Ariz., Cardinals fans were eager to get their first look at free-agent quarterback Kevin Kolb in a real game. While Kolb's Cardinals won 28-21, Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton stole the show with a record 422-yard passing performance at University of Phoenix Stadium, where Newton led Auburn to the Bowl Championship Series title seven months earlier. Newton, the No. 1 overall pick, had shown flashes of brilliance during the preseason - sandwiched around errant passes that left him with a completion"
Panthers looking for a sizzling finish at New Orleans
January 1
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Panthers have won four of their past five games and are coming off a 48-16 drubbing of Tampa Bay in which they scored the second-most points in franchise history. The Panthers hung 27 points on New Orleans in a Week 5 loss in Charlotte. But the Saints are a better, faster team playing on the artificial turf in the Superdome, where they have yet to lose this season. A victory would give the Panthers a five-win improvement over 2010, matching the second-biggest turnaround in team history. How long will the Saints play their starters? Sean Payton said Drew Brees will start, but it will be interesting to see how long Brees plays. Six days after breaking Dan Marino's single-season passing"
Ex-Panther's wife dies of breast cancer
December 31
Charlotte Observer
 
"One month after getting married, ex-Panther linebacker Chris Draft lost his wife Friday after a long fight with breast cancer, Yahoo Sports is reporting. Draft, who played for several NFL teams including the Carolina Panthers in 2005 and 2006, released a statement on his wife on their family foundation website: "Not just an inspiration, but a light, and a force that led the way with a beautiful, sweet smile and bright shining eyes that both belied the pure steel of her strength and determination."
Neblett, Pugh out against Saints
December 31
Charlotte Observer
 
"Defensive tackle Andre Neblett and safety Jordan Pugh will miss the Panthers' game Sunday at New Orleans as they continue to deal with concussion issues. Coach Ron Rivera said Ogemdi Nwagbuo will start in Neblett's place along the defensive front while Jonathan Nelson, who had an interception last week against Tampa Bay, will back up Charles Godfrey and Sharrod Martin at safety. Defensive end Charles Johnson may also miss the New Orleans game due to a back issue. Rivera said he plans to start Antwan Applewhite at defensive end if Johnson does not make the trip. A decision on Johnson's availability is expected this morning. The Panthers activated former N.C. State defensive tackle DeMario"
Saints' approach: 'full speed ahead'
December 31
Charlotte Observer
 
"Defensive tackle Andre Neblett and safety Jordan Pugh will miss the Panthers' game Sunday at New Orleans as they continue to deal with concussion issues. Coach Ron Rivera said Ogemdi Nwagbuo will start in Neblett's place along the defensive front while Jonathan Nelson, who had an interception last week against Tampa Bay, will back up Charles Godfrey and Sharrod Martin at safety. Defensive end Charles Johnson may also miss the New Orleans game due to a back issue. Rivera said he plans to start Antwan Applewhite at defensive end if Johnson does not make the trip. A decision on Johnson's availability is expected this morning. The Panthers activated former N.C. State defensive tackle DeMario"