Carolina Panthers News

Note to Carolina Panthers coach Fox: Taking risks can be rewarding
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February 9
Charlotte Observer
 columnist Scott Fowler
"The New Orleans Saints provided a blueprint Sunday for the way you win a Super Bowl as an underdog against one of the best quarterbacks in history - something the Carolina Panthers couldn't quite do six years before. Namely, you take risks. When one fails, you take some more. If you go down, you go down utterly spent. Before we go any further, answer me this: Can you imagine Panthers coach John Fox calling for an onside kick to open the second half in a big game with his team down 10-6? If you can, your imagination is better than mine. Fox just doesn't do things like that. But he should. Every now and then, he should. The Saints, of course, didn't go down. They upset Indianapolis, 31-17, ..."
Former Panther now Manning's coach
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February 7
Charlotte Observer
 
"Text messages from Peyton Manning are apt to arrive at any time, keeping Frank Reich up late researching the latest game-planning theories under construction in the computer-like mind of the Indianapolis Colts' star quarterback. "There is not much idle time," said Reich, the former Panthers' quarterback and 12-year Charlotte resident who's in his first year as Colts quarterbacks coach. Coaching arguably the best player in the league is a glamorous role that has landed Reich a spot in the Super Bowl for today's Indianapolis-New Orleans game, but it's also challenging and humbling because of Manning's ultra-driven preparation habits. "He sets the bar so high," Reich said of Manning. "It's ..."
Panthers fans excited to see Moore and better things at quarterback
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February 5
Portland Tribune
 columnist Kerry Eggers
"For the past week, Matt Moore has been roughing it in our fine state. Poking around the Oregon State football offices. Playing golf with OSU defensive coordinator Mark Banker. Attending the Beavers' annual football recruiting dinner in Portland. "Third year in a row I've come up," says Moore, the ex-OSU quarterback now with the Carolina Panthers. "I get to see all my favorite people - everybody up here is so great. "I love going to the (recruiting) dinner. I'm proud to be a representative of this university and this football program. I like to show that." Moore and his wife, Tara, have been staying at the home of OSU offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf and his wife, Michele. The Moores ..."
Saints looking forward to Pepper-less Panthers
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February 5
Charlotte Observer
 
"The New Orleans Saints aren't lodging objections about Julius Peppers' possible exit from the Carolina Panthers. "I'm not going to cry," said guard Carl Nicks. "That guy's a game-changer, man." The Saints, who play Indianapolis Sunday in Super Bowl XLIV, are members of the NFC South with the Panthers and thus have had to gear up to face Peppers twice a season. The idea of the five-time Pro Bowl defensive end no longer obstructing their path to the divisional title would be a welcome change. He intercepted a pass against the Saints this season and has five sacks and four forced fumbles against them in his eight-year career. "Obviously, he's given us some headaches over the past few years," ..."
NFL players preparing for 2011 lockout
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February 5
Boston Globe
 
"As collective bargaining agreement negotiations between the NFL Players Association and the NFL owners continue to drag, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said he expects the owners to lock out the players before the 2011 season. Chad Ochocinco, representing OCNN, asked the first question of a press conference this afternoon in which the NFLPA laid out their message. He asked Smith how worried he is about a lockout next season. "On a scale of 1 to 10," Smith said, "it's a 14." Smith said he and NFLPA president Kevin Mawae have informed players to save 25 percent of their paychecks in order to prepare for a lockout. Mawae said negotiations for a CBA have been "frustrating" and moved ..."
Who stays and who goes? A closer look at Carolina's 2010 free agents
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February 3
Gaston Gazette
 
"The Carolina Panthers have plenty of decisions to make before March 5, the start of the free agency signing period. The Panthers have no fewer than eight players eligible to become unrestricted free agents (players with six or more years of experience who are no longer under contract), including five starters, and 11 restricted free agents. With the restricted free agents, the Panthers will need to make tender offers on or before March 4 if they plan to keep them around. The tender offers vary based the players' experience in the league and which level of compensation the team chooses. Here's a review of Carolina's unrestricted and restricted free agents heading into the 2010 ..."
20 million reasons to say see ya, Julius Peppers
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February 2
Charlotte Observer
 columnist Tom Sorensen
"I've been writing since Carolina ended its season that Julius Peppers has played his final game for the Panthers. The reason I've been writing this is because Peppers has played his final game for the Panthers. So reading stories national and local about how the Panthers have moved on without Peppers is like reading stories that say, "Charlotte drivers struggle with snow." I don't claim to be NostraThomas, but of course the Panthers have moved on. What other option do they have? Peppers played very well in 2009. But he did not play $1-million-a-game well. No defensive player ever has. There are quarterbacks worth $1?million a game because they have the ball in their hands more than ..."
Allowing Peppers to walk away without compensation would be absurd
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February 1
Gaston Gazette
 columnist Steve Reed
"For eight years, the Carolina Panthers have been loyal supporters of defensive end Julius Peppers – through good times and bad. General manager Marty Hurney and coach John Fox have never uttered a negative word about Peppers, even during 2007 when he struggled mightily getting to the quarterback, registering just 2.5 sacks, or even last year when he stated publically he wanted out of Carolina, a move that had to sting given all they've done for him. In fact, the Panthers have done just the opposite over the years, going out of their way to praise Peppers and tell the world how much they love him as a player and how much he means to the franchise. That's what makes Sunday night's news ..."
Agent believes Panthers have 'moved on,' won't re-sign five-time Pro Bowler Peppers
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February 1
Gaston Gazette
 
"Agent Carl Carey said he believes his client Julius Peppers has played his final down for the Carolina Panthers and that the team will allow him to become an unrestricted free agent in March. "I do believe that," Carey told Carolina Growl during a telephone interview Sunday night from the Pro Bowl in Miami. "The way things have gone, I believe that to be true." Carey said he hasn't heard from Panthers general manager Marty Hurney since Carolina's Week 17 win against New Orleans, although he's since tried to initiate contact with him. He said when he last spoke with Hurney he was told the Panthers would get back to him in about a week, but he's heard nothing in a month. Carey also ..."
Julius Peppers could be answer to Falcons' problems
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February 1
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 columnist Jeff Schultz
"From an NFL fan's perspective, there is one great thing about an uncapped year. Your favorite team can't use the excuse, "We'd love to sign that free agent but we just can't fit him under the salary cap." So to the members of Falcon nation, I present to you possibly the first name on the Falcons' offseason shopping list: Julius Peppers. Yes, it could happen — at least the part about Peppers' availability. There are strong indications that the Carolina Panthers — who failed to come to terms with Peppers on a multi-year contract last season and were forced to sign him to the steep one-year franchise tag fee of $16.683 million — will allow Peppers to enter free agency. ESPN's Adam Schefter ..."
Agent: Free agent Peppers likely to leave Carolina Panthers
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February 1
Charlotte Observer
 
"Julius Peppers' agent said Sunday night that he has not heard from the Carolina Panthers since the end of the regular season and that he believes the club has "moved on" with the intent of allowing Peppers to become an unrestricted free agent. That would mean letting Peppers go without getting anything in return, but saving the $20million tender offer for 2010 it would take to franchise him for the second straight year. "I initiated communication with the organization shortly after the season ended," Peppers' agent, Carl Carey, told the Observer. "They informed me they would make contact the following week and they never did. "To date, we still have not heard from them. They are definitely ..."
The high-priced defensive end Peppers has no idea where he will be playing next season
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January 31
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers made more than $1 million per game playing in Carolina last season, but he has no clue as to whether or not he'll be back with the team in 2010. "Anywhere is a potential landing spot," Peppers told the Associated Press recently. "I'm not going to say I want to play for any team or I prefer to play anywhere, because I really haven't thought about it. I haven't thought about playing for x, y or z." The free agent defensive end was hit with the restrictive franchise tag last year by the Panthers, which prevented him from leaving Carolina to sign with another team. The deal included a $1.5 million bonus for earning a trip to the Pro Bowl, which Peppers ..."
Panthers promote Rodgers to special teams coordinator
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January 31
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Panthers named Jeff Rodgers their new special teams coordinator Saturday, replacing Danny Crossman, who was fired in January. Rodgers, 32, was the team's special teams assistant last season. He came to the Panthers from Kansas State, where he was special teams coach in 2009."
Panthers linebacker Beason makes Pro Bowl after all
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January 30
Charlotte Observer
 
"Panthers linebacker Jon Beason, who was upset by being snubbed by not being selected to the Pro Bowl, is headed to play in the game in Miami on Sunday after all. Beason has been named to replace San Francisco inside linebacker Patrick Willis, who's been sidelined this week by an injury. Beason, a Pro Bowler last year, had been named a second alternate. The first alternate at inside linebacker, London Fletcher, already had been added to the roster."
Beason will play in the Pro Bowl after all
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January 29
Gaston Gazette
 
"Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Jon Beason is headed to the Pro Bowl after all. Beason, who was upset about being selected as a second alternate, will now play Sunday in the game in Miami. He'll replace San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis, who pulled out with a knee injury. Beason was a second-team All Pro in 2009, finishing with a franchise-record 169 tackels. Beason also set career highs with three sacks and two fumble recoveries. He added three interceptions. He becomes the fourth Carolina player to join the NFC team. Defensive end Julius Peppers and running back DeAngelo Williams were selected to play in the game, while center Ryan Kalil, who was a second ..."
Peppers named to all-decade team
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January 28
Charlotte Observer
 
"In what might be the highest honor of his NFL career, Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers has been selected to the league's all-decade team, which is voted upon by the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee. The entire team won't be announced until Sunday, but the league revealed the 12 players selected who are participating in this weekend's Pro Bowl in Miami. "I am honored and feel privileged to be recognized in this way," Peppers said Wednesday night in a statement released by his agent, Carl Carey. "There is still a lot of work for me to do in my career and I believe my best years are ahead of me.""
Would Tebow be right fit for Panthers?
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January 28
Charlotte Observer
 columnist Charles Chandler
"Perhaps the most decorated college football player of our time is quickly becoming one of the most scrutinized prospects of the upcoming NFL draft class. Tim Tebow, Florida's all-universe quarterback, has begun the process at the Senior Bowl this week of trying to convince NFL teams he can make the transition from the Gators' spread offense to a pro-style attack. Already, he is showing his toughness, practicing despite a bout with strep throat that sent him to an area hospital for treatment. He's also been meeting prospective teams, including the Carolina Panthers, fielding questions and allowing clubs to get to know him better. It's in those more intimate settings that Tebow is expected ..."
Fox, Panthers staff don't break silence while evaluating talent
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January 28
Charlotte Observer
 
"It was business as usual for the Carolina Panthers' brain trust Tuesday, even as they head into a season unlike any they've previously experienced. As is their annual custom, coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney staked out seats near the top of the stands at Ladd Peebles Stadium to scout two Senior Bowl practices. They were getting an early look at some prospects who'll be available in April's NFL draft. What's different about their situation now is that Fox and his assistant coaches are heading into the 2010 season with one year remaining on their contracts. The situation is believed to be impacted at least somewhat by the fact that league owners and the players union have been ..."
Panthers receivers coach will have a hands-on style
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January 27
Charlotte Observer
 
"Steve Smith and the Carolina Panthers' other receivers should prepare for their new position coach to join them on the practice field at times next season, running routes to demonstrate how he wants things done. "I like to teach by example," said Tyke Tolbert, who coached the Buffalo Bills' receivers the previous six seasons. "Obviously, (it'll be at) a little bit slower pace than those guys." But not too much slower. Tolbert, 42, was a receiver at Louisiana State and knows not only how to coach the position, but also how to play it. "I've always thought if you play a position, you have a certain knowledge and you can better relate to players who play the same position you're coaching," he ..."
Fox, Panthers staff don't break silence while evaluating talent
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January 27
Charlotte Observer
 
"It was business as usual for the Carolina Panthers' brain trust Tuesday, even as they head into a season unlike any they've previously experienced. As is their annual custom, coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney staked out seats near the top of the stands at Ladd Peebles Stadium to scout two Senior Bowl practices. They were getting an early look at some prospects who'll be available in April's NFL draft. What's different about their situation now is that Fox and his assistant coaches are heading into the 2010 season with one year remaining on their contracts. The situation is believed to be impacted at least somewhat by the fact that league owners and the players union have been ..."
Panthers center Kalil added to Pro Bowl roster
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January 26
Charlotte Observer
 
"Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil will join teammates DeAngelo Williams and Julius Peppers at the Pro Bowl this week in Miami. The NFL announced Monday that Kalil, an alternate, will replace New Orleans Saints center Jonathan Goodwin on the NFC roster. Goodwin can't participate because he's playing in the Super Bowl a week later. It will be the first Pro Bowl appearance for Kalil, who recently completed his third NFL season. He's widely regarded as one of the NFL's best young centers. Goodwin was one of 14 members of the Colts and Saints selected for the Pro Bowl, but won't be able to play."
Panthers hire a new receivers coach
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January 22
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Carolina Panthers named Tyke Tolbert their new receivers coach Thursday. Tolbert, who's been in that position with Buffalo the past six seasons, replaces Richard Williamson, who retired this week. Tolbert coached the Arizona Cardinals receivers in 2003 before going to Buffalo. He began his coaching career with college jobs at Louisiana-Monroe, Auburn, Louisiana-Lafayette and Florida. In his one season with the Cardinals, Tolbert coached rookie Anquan Boldin, who made the Pro Bowl that season."
Stewart's Achilles surgery successful
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January 21
Charlotte Observer
 
"Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart had successful surgery on his left Achilles this morning, treating a problem that had been bothering him for at least a year. Stewart's agent Ben Dogra wouldn't say what the severity of the injury had been and said the surgery was to alleviate "lingering pain" and that Stewart expected to be ready for May's mini-camp. Dogra said Stewart also had minor surgery on a pinky finger Wednesday."
Stewart having foot surgery
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January 20
Charlotte Observer
 
"Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart said today on his twitter account that he's undergoing surgery on his foot today. He played last season with ongoing pain in his Achilles, but led the team in rushing with 1,133 yards."
Carolina Panthers' receivers coach is retiring
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January 19
Charlotte Observer
 
"A Carolina Panthers original - receivers coach Richard Williamson - retired Monday. Williamson, 68, had been with the team since its 1995 inception. He was hired 19 days before Dom Capers, the franchise's first head coach. Williamson had seen it all, from a Super Bowl appearance in the 2003 season to a 1-15 mark in 2001. "We've had a lot of good people, good players and good workers," said Williamson, who served under all three Panthers head coaches - Capers, George Seifert and John Fox. Williamson played at Alabama in the early 1960s under Bear Bryant and caught passes from Joe Namath. After working on the coaching staffs at Alabama and Arkansas, he was head coach at Memphis State in ..."
Panthers' special teams coach let go
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January 15
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Carolina Panthers announced Thursday that special teams coach Danny Crossman wouldn't be retained for the 2010 season. His units struggled for much of the season, hit hard by injuries and the team's lack of salary-cap space that didn't allow for as much investment in veteran special teamers as in some past seasons. The Panthers ranked 31st (next to last) in the NFL in kickoff return average, 30th in kickoff coverage and 29th in punt coverage. "This was an extremely hard decision and we wish Danny the very best," said Panthers general manager Marty Hurney. Crossman had been with the Panthers since 2003. He assisted special teams coach Scott O'Brien before taking over the position in ..."
Quarterbacks coach Scherer to stay with Carolina Panthers
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January 13
Charlotte Observer
 
"After weighing the opportunity to return to college coaching, Rip Scherer has decided to remain the Carolina Panthers' quarterbacks coach. Scherer said in a text message Tuesday afternoon that he had declined an offer to become Virginia's offensive coordinator. He also said he wasn't involved with interviewing for any other jobs, saying "nothing else happening -- strictly rumors." There had been speculation in recent days that he might be a candidate to become quarterbacks coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers because of his close friendship with Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and the fact that the team's director of football operations, Kevin Colbert, is his cousin. Scherer interviewed with ..."
3 guesses on the future of Carolina Panthers' Fox, Peppers, Delhomme
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January 12
Charlotte Observer
 
"For a team that can only look longingly at the NFL playoffs, the Carolina Panthers sure do have some issues. Three of them, in particular. Coach John Fox, star defensive end Julius Peppers and on-and-off quarterback Jake Delhomme are all surrounded by intrigue as the Panthers try to figure out what to do to avoid another 8-8 season like the one they just completed. No, it's not as exciting as watching Arizona edge Green Bay 51-45 in overtime. (And after that amazing game, can't you see why the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe once started Kurt Warner in front of Delhomme?)"
Report: Fox can void final year of contract with Carolina Panthers
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January 11
Charlotte Observer
 
"Barring an unexpected development, John Fox is expected to remain the Carolina Panthers' coach for the 2010 season. However, if another head coaching opportunity arises that he likes, he might be able to leave without the other team owing the Panthers any compensation. According to an ESPN report that cited two NFL sources Sunday, the Panthers have given Fox the right to void the final year of his contract. The Observer has reported that the Panthers planned to retain Fox but wouldn't extend his contract, and also that he could consider another job opportunity and might be able to get out of the final year of his deal. Fox is to make about $6 million next season, making him one of the ..."
New-school Baltimore Ravens trying to achieve old-school New England Patriots success
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January 10
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Baltimore Ravens' first step toward the Super Bowl looms as a statement game. At a frigid Gillette Stadium on Sunday, the Ravens' precocious new guard will clash with the New England Patriots' venerable old one in an AFC wild-card game. Patriots coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady set the standard in the past decade, capturing three Super Bowl championships. Ravens coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Joe Flacco just splashed onto the NFL playoff landscape, becoming the first head coach-quarterback tandem to make the league's postseason their first two seasons. Will the Patriots (10-6) continue their postseason supremacy, or will the Ravens (9-7) further validate ..."
Panthers schedule is 26th toughest
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January 9
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Carolina Panthers' 2010 schedule is the 26th toughest in the NFL, based on their opponents' 2009 records, according to ESPN Stats and Information. That's quite a contrast from '09, when Carolina's schedule was the second hardest in the league. Next season's opponents will have a cumulative record of 122-134 (.477) from 2009. Most of that is attributed to Carolina playing teams in the NFC West (24-40 in '09) and AFC North (33-31 in ) next season - as opposed to the NFC East (38-25-1 in '08) and AFC East (38-26 in '08). Carolina also will play the third-place teams from the NFC East (New York Giants) and NFC North (Chicago) next season, instead of the first-place teams from those ..."
Peppers waiting to hear from Panthers
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January 8
Charlotte Observer
 
"With the Carolina Panthers facing a complicated decision regarding star defensive end Julius Peppers, he's taking a wait-and-see approach to his future. His agent, Carl Carey, said Thursday that Peppers' concerns of a year ago about staying with the team "don't currently exist." He said Peppers, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, isn't ready to state his desires until the team expresses its position. "I think it's appropriate that we reserve our comments until after the Panthers organization has publicly stated their intentions regarding Julius' impending free agency," Carey told the Observer. "Julius feels good about being selected to his fifth Pro Bowl and is focusing on representing the ..."
QB coach Scherer interviews for Virginia job
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January 8
Charlotte Observer
 
"Carolina Panthers quarterbacks coach Rip Scherer interviewed Thursday for the offensive coordinator job at Virginia, The Observer has learned. Scherer recently completed his first season with the Panthers after replacing Mike McCoy, who left last year to become the Denver Broncos' offensive coordinator. Scherer has an extensive college coaching experience, including serving on the Virginia staff in 1979. There's been no word on a timetable for new Virginia coach Mike London to fill his offensive coordinator position. He met with Scherer on Thursday. Another reported candidate was said to be Atlanta quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave, a former Panthers assistant. But he apparently wants to ..."
Report links Carolina Panthers Coach Fox to Cleveland Browns' job
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January 6
Charlotte Observer
 
"Though Panthers coach John Fox said last night he expects to be back next season, a report in the Cleveland Plain Dealer today cites speculation linking Fox to the Browns' head coaching job if it becomes open. New Browns president Mike Holmgren is weighing whether or not to retain Eric Mangini, whose team won its last four games to finish 5-11. The story says Holmgren would be interested in a defensive-minded coach, such as Fox, and that Holmgren might have a hand in the offense. That would be an interesting mesh. Fox is from the Chuck Noll school of coaching, relying heavily on defense and a strong running game. Holmgren is from the Bill Walsh school, employing a West Coast passing ..."
Panthers coach Fox will face make-or-break season in 2010
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January 6
Charlotte Observer
 
"Panthers coach John Fox certainly sounds like he will coach Carolina in 2010. As he said on his radio show Monday night: "I see myself being back here a year from now." Assuming things don't change - and I don't believe the Fox-to-Cleveland rumor - this will be a make-or-break year for him here. He is scheduled to earn approximately $6million in the final year of his contract. The Panthers will need to make the playoffs in 2010 or team owner Jerry Richardson - not the world's most patient man - surely will replace Fox. Will the Panthers qualify for the playoffs next season? As long as Fox doesn't get too stubbornly loyal to his veterans, I think they will. Once Fox's hand was forced on the ..."
Fox: 'I see myself being back'
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January 5
Charlotte Observer
 
"Panthers coach John Fox indicated he will return to the team next season in an interview aired last night on the weekly "Panther Talk" radio show on WBT (1110 AM). Team play-by-play announcer Mick Mixon taped the interview before the show, asking Fox about his future, referring to Fox's comments the previous day after a win over New Orleans in which Fox was noncommittal about his plans and wouldn't say whether he wanted to return to the team for 2010. Fox was much more committal Monday in his response. "Going in front of the press group yesterday, you're fresh off a win," Fox said. "I don't have a lot of answers at this point other than I have a year remaining on my contract. I see myself ..."
Peppers, Carolina Panthers ponder options
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January 5
Charlotte Observer
 
"On a frigid Monday morning, Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers put the chilly talk of a year ago behind him. He still wouldn't say whether he wants to remain with the Carolina Panthers - he asked for a couple of days to contemplate his future - but he said the strong comments he made last year about wanting to play elsewhere were no longer pertinent. "That was a year ago," he said. "I don't really think it's productive to go back and re-open those conversations about what I was feeling at that time because it was a year ago. Anything that was said a year ago is irrelevant right now because it's a new situation and it's a new day." As he walked to his car in the Bank of America ..."
As QB Drew Brees, other starters rest, playoff-bound Saints close regular season with meaningless loss
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January 4
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"Sure, the Saints can admit that they were a little jealous of some of their NFC rivals Sunday. While New Orleans was wrapping up its regular season with a lackluster 23-10 loss at Carolina, which essentially amounted to a fifth preseason game, fellow playoff teams such as the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys were having all the fun, routing their opponents by 37, 26 and 24 points. But now that the postseason is officially under way, the Saints insist they wouldn't trade places with any of those teams. Despite their three-game losing streak, the Saints (13-3) are the No. 1 seed in the NFC. They still have a free pass into the second round of the playoffs, and they ..."
QB Moore solid again; no expectations for 2010
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January 4
Charlotte Observer
 
"Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore, who played another turnover-free game Sunday in a 23-10 victory against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium, said he has no expectations about his status next season. "We'll deal with that next year," said Moore, who completed 14 of 23 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown. "If I'm on the field, I'm going to give it my best shot regardless of when that is. The stuff will all unfold. I'll show up at training camp and play when I play. (I) won't play when they tell me to sit. There are no expectations." Moore, who took over as the starter when Jake Delhomme broke his finger against the New York Jets on Nov. 29, helped the Panthers win ..."
Panthers end season on high note; now what?
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January 4
Charlotte Observer
 
"Granted, it came against what amounted to the New Orleans Saints' junior varsity, but it was nonetheless an impressive season finale for the Carolina Panthers Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers won for the third straight week, beating the Saints 23-10 to finish with an 8-8 record. Quarterback Matt Moore had his fourth consecutive turnover-free game and raised his record to 4-1 as a starter since getting the job as a result of Jake Delhomme's broken finger. Jonathan Stewart rushed for 125 yards on 16 carries, including a 67-yarder for a touchdown, to lead the Carolina running game into the history books. Stewart (1,133 yards) and DeAngelo Williams (1,117) became the first pair ..."
Panthers rush into NFL history
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January 4
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Carolina Panthers offensive line is happy - and honored - to have played a part in NFL history this season. "It was great to be a part of something like that," said guard Mackenzy Bernadeau of blocking for DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, the first teammates to each rush for more than 1,100 yards in a season in NFL history. "To say I was part of something that's going down in the history books, it's very exciting and really special." Stewart ran for 125 yards in Sunday's 23-10 victory against New Orleans, raising his season total to 1,133 yards. Williams, who didn't play the final two games of the season because of an ankle injury, had 1,117 yards. The Williams-Stewart feat came ..."
Fans endure coldest home game
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January 4
Charlotte Observer
 columnist Tom Sorensen
"I heard reporters and broadcasters complain about the temperature in the press box. I looked at the fans dressed for the occasion - the temperature at kickoff was 30 degrees, which makes it the coldest home game in Panthers history - and instead of complaining loaded up on hot coffee instead. Captain Munnerlyn is a legitimate 5-foot-8. I watched a veteran not much bigger pick the rookie up the other week and carry him around the locker room as if he was a trophy. On the field, however, Captain continually proves how tough he is. He hit Saints receiver Robert Meachem as if propelled, as if he had leapt off the turnbuckle. It was a great hit. But it also was a forearm shiver, and his ..."
Where has this Jarrett been all year
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January 4
Charlotte Observer
 
"It's tough to measure what Carolina accomplished Sunday because New Orleans didn't even try. The Saints relied on a quarterback who is 39 but plays as if he is old enough to have a 39-year-old son. The Saints dressed only seven defensive backs. But Carolina's easy 23-10 victory counts. So does the performance of Panthers receiver Dwayne Jarrett. Jarrett is the most perplexing player on the Carolina roster. I swear he has the talent not only to be a factor but to thrive. I tell people that Jarrett occasionally is the best player on the field at Carolina's practices, and these are practices in which he works against the starters. The people I tell tend not to believe me. Not long ago I ..."
Can't let Moore become free agent
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January 4
Charlotte Observer
 columnist Scott Fowler
"Quarterback Matt Moore is about to become a restricted free agent. First of all, no way you can let the guy get away. That shouldn't be terribly hard. Second of all, Moore is now 6-2 as a starter for his career. And he's 25. If you don't let that guy at least be the co-No.?1 going into training camp 2010 - and I don't care who else is on the roster - you're crazy. Kudos to the 50,000 or so Panthers fans who actually showed up for what was the coldest Panthers home game in history. It was 30 degrees at kickoff, and the biting wind made it feel much colder. The Panthers beat New Orleans 23-10 Sunday in part because Mark Brunell is Brett Favre Lite. Brunell has aged just like Favre has, but ..."
No rest for the Saints
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January 2
Charlotte Observer
 
"The New Orleans Saints find themselves in a perplexing situation for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Saints (13-2) have already clinched home-field advantage in the playoffs, so there's no real need to play their starters too much against the suddenly hot Panthers (7-8). But after recent losses against Dallas and Tampa Bay, do the Saints really want to risk entering the playoffs on a three-game losing streak? "Everyone knows going into the playoffs you want to be peaking and playing your best football; as of late we are not doing that," Saints safety Darren Sharper said in a conference call this week. With a loss to the Panthers, the Saints would ..."
Meeks points Carolina Panthers defense toward dominance
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January 2
Charlotte Observer
 
"Ron Meeks thinks he's got the Carolina Panthers playing defense like he wants them to. "They're playing fast, they're playing aggressively; they're playing with a lot of confidence," said Meeks, the Panthers' first-year defensive coordinator. "And never at one point did they stop believing in themselves." Meeks' defense is a major reason why the Panthers are finishing the season with a flourish - despite being out of playoff contention for three weeks: The defense has allowed five touchdowns in five games. That included one stretch of seven consecutive quarters that the defense didn't allow a touchdown. The Panthers have become one of the NFL's more opportunistic defenses; their 34 ..."
Fox shouldn't have to endure being labeled as a lame duck coach
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January 2
Gaston Gazette
 columnist Steve Reed
"Lame duck. It has such a nasty connotation, doesn't it? And yet that's exactly the tag John Fox will have hanging over his head entering next season unless Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson decides to either extend his contract or allow him to find employment elsewhere. Fox will have the opportunity to return next season. And in all likelihood he will. What we don't know is if he'll be given the chance to pursue head coaching jobs with other teams, although the potential suitor would certainly need to compensate the Panthers in the form of draft picks. Quite frankly, Fox deserves better than that."
Saints likely to give Brees day off; tweak special teams
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January 2
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"Saints backup quarterback Mark Brunell has not started a game or had significant playing time in a regular season game since 2006. That likely will change Sunday in Carolina, as the Saints are expected to rest several key players, including quarterback Drew Brees. The Saints used a similar strategy when they entered the final week of the 2006 season with the No. 2 seed in the NFC clinched. The big difference is Brunell is expected to start Sunday, and Brees likely will be inactive and serve as the third quarterback. Chase Daniel will be activated from the practice squad to be the backup. Brunell, who has thrown one pass in the past three seasons -- an incompletion on a fake field goal ..."
Finish old before ushering in new
Comment
January 1
Charlotte Observer
 
"I know, the Carolina Panthers' season isn't officially over, though it died weeks ago with a loss to Buffalo. But this being the start of a new year and a new decade, it's time to look ahead. We don't have to wait until next year. It's here. By my unofficial count, it is 254 days until the Panthers' 2010 regular season will begin. That's assuming they aren't part of one of those high-profile, Thursday prime-time games that kick off the season, which they won't be unless Brett Favre is the quarterback, Bill Cowher is the coach and Taylor Swift is a Top Cat. For a season that flamed out faster than Christopher Cross, it's ending with cautious optimism. That's better than how the New York ..."
Panthers backfield could run into a double dose of history
Comment
January 1
Charlotte Observer
 
"Carolina's "Double Trouble" is on the verge of an unprecedented accomplishment. If Jonathan Stewart runs for 92 yards Sunday against New Orleans, he and DeAngelo Williams would become the first pair of teammates in NFL history to both have 1,100-yard rushing seasons. Williams wasn't aware of that possibility until Thursday. "That's pretty good. That's a big deal, now," said Williams. "I think the O-line shoulders a lot of that on their backs because they do a great job (blocking), including Brad (Hoover, the fullback). "Teams know week in and week out we're going to run the football, and they put as many guys as they possibly can in there and we still continue to have success on the ground ..."