NFL FanHouse

Dwayne Jarrett Owns Up to DWI Charge

David J. Warner — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, NFC South, Charlotte, NFL Police Blotter, Carolina

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett, who was arrested and charged with DWI last March, pleaded guilty to that charge on Monday in a Mecklenberg County courtroom. He was fined $420 and will perform 24 hours of community service. He also surrendered his driver's license to the court, so hopefully he'll find someone who can drive him to film sessions.

To his credit, Jarrett said all the right things following this conviction:

"This is a thing that happened and you learn from your mistakes. ... You always have to take the right steps in everything you do. That's life in general. I took full responsibility for what happened."

Jarrett had a forgettable rookie season with the Panthers, which likely prompted the free agent signings of D.J. Hackett and Muhsin Muhammad. Is this guilty plea a sign that Jarrett is finally maturing and will own up to his mistakes on the field, too? It's a good sign, but it's just a starting point for him, really, if he wants to be the kind of receiver in the NFL that he was at USC.

Dwayne Jarrett Owns Up to DWI Charge originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panthers Prepare for Life After John Kasay

David J. Warner — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, NFC South, Charlotte, Carolina

Let's face facts, folks -- John Kasay was never going to play forever. Sure, the Carolina Panthers' 39-year-old place kicker has won a ton of games for this team with his left foot, but as time goes on, his kicks don't travel quite as far as they once did, and while some kickers have played well into their 40s in the NFL, those guys are few and far between.

The length of Kasay's kicks is the main reason the Carolina Panthers plan to use someone new for kickoffs. Rhys Lloyd, an Englishman who specializes in booting the ball really, really far, did well in a one-game trial with Carolina last season, and he now has a chance to make the team's final roster.

While it's far from unprecedented for a team to carry three kickers on its roster, it's not exactly business as usual. Still, Kasay had a league-low two touchbacks and watched five kickoffs sail out of bounds last season, so Lloyd almost seems like a necessity for Carolina. Field position is just that important for a team that prides itself on defense. Perhaps the only question is how much longer Kasay will be the last original Panther.

Panthers Prepare for Life After John Kasay originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ex-Panther Jason Peter Details Use of Crack, Vicodin, Ambien, Vodka, Prostitutes

Michael David Smith — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 08:08:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, Charlotte, Carolina

After an All-American career at Nebraska, defensive lineman Jason Peter was the Carolina Panthers' first-round draft pick in 1998. But he failed in the NFL, starting just 20 games and leaving the league for good after four seasons.

Now he's written a book that details the drug abuse that derailed his career.

Authoring Up Controversy

Former Panthers first-round bust Jason Peter opens up about his rampant drug use and wild sex-capades in his upcoming book, which is just the latest shocking tell-all from the world of sports.

Craig Jones / Getty Images

Herschel Walker -- Breaking Free
The former Heisman Trophy winner shocked many this year with the revelation that he suffers from multiple personality disorder.

Mitch Jacobson, AP

Jose Canseco -- Juiced
The former MVP blew the lid off of baseball's dirty little steroid secret with his 2005 blockbuster in which he claims to have personally injected stars like Mark McGwire and Jason Giambi.

David Paul Morris, Getty Images

Phil Jackson -- The Last Season
How difficult is it to coach Kobe Bryant? The Zen Master pulls no punches in his 2004 book as he portrays the reigning MVP as selfish and immature.

Lucy Nicholson, AFP / Getty Images

Jim Bouton -- Ball Four
The grandaddy of all sports tell-alls, Bouton's 1970 chronicle of what really goes on in baseball clubhouses and hotel rooms shocked many and set the standard for countless imitators.

Bebeto Matthews, AP

John Amaechi -- Man in the Middle
Amaechi was just a former fringe NBA player until he came out in his 2007 book. The resulting media storm brought the issue of sexuality in sports to the forefront of public debate.

Fernando Medina, NBAE / Getty Images

John Daly -- My Life In and Out of the Rough
Drinking binges. Out-of-control gambling. Indulgent overeating. Golf's bad boy covers all the messy details of his bad boy life in his 2007 memoir.

Mark J. Terrill, AP

Bill Romanowski -- Romo
Books by football players about the wild and violent world of the NFL are nothing new. But Romo's tell-all packs a wallop because of his unfliching description of prescription drug and steroid abuse.

Rusty Jarrett, Getty Images

Pete Rose -- My Prison Without Bars
The disgraced hit king surprised few when he admitted betting on baseball games in his 2004 book. His defiant stance and lack of remorse did little to improve his image.

Al Behrman, AP

Charles Barkley -- I May Be Wrong but I Doubt It
Sir Charles is at his most outrageous in this 2003 title in which he tackles a wide range of controversial topics, from politics to race relations.

Stephan Savoia, AP

He says he would down 60 Vicodin and 20 sleeping pills with a bottle of vodka. Peter King of SI.com, who read an advance copy of the book, writes:

Vicodin. Ambien. Cocaine. Crack. Heroin. GHB, the date-rape drug. Lots of others I've never heard of. He's not sure if he's been in rehab six or seven times. He's blown most of the $6.5 million Carolina paid him over a disappointing, injury-filled NFL career with the Panthers. Nights and weeks with prostitutes so numerous ... well, so numerous that his Madame at a high-rolling Manhattan brothel ran out of girls for him.

Jason Peter now says he's amazed he's still alive. Reading King's account of the book, it is amazing.

Athletes Partying

Matt Leinart

TheDirty.com

Vince Young

Blogxilla.com

Reggie Miller

DonChavez.com

Eli Manning

DrunkAthlete.com

Michael Jordan

Lioninoil.blogspot.com

Tim Tebow

EveryDayShouldBeSaturday.com

Kyle Orton

DrunkAthlete.com

Chris Berman

Deadspin.com/trusesportsfans

Jimmy Johnson

DrunkAthlete.com

Greg Oden

DrunkAthlete.com

Ex-Panther Jason Peter Details Use of Crack, Vicodin, Ambien, Vodka, Prostitutes originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 08:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Didn't Steve Smith Think the Panthers Were Better Last Year, Too?

David J. Warner — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 17:25:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, NFC South, Charlotte, Carolina

Last year around this time, Steve Smith was talking about how much better the Carolina Panthers' new offense was compared to the previous year. Well, it's summer again, and Smith is once again saying after minicamp that this team looks better than it did last year.

"With those two (receiver) acquisitions and with some of the big guys on the offensive line -- the rookie (Jeff Otah) -- offensively I think we finally made an upgrade."

Smith seemed to have nothing but compliments for the offensive linemen, the new receivers -- pay close attention to how he didn't mention Dwayne Jarrett -- and Jake Delhomme's arm, which Smith said seems a little stronger after Tommy John surgery. Of course, Smith also mentioned that Jake still can't out-throw him, but there you go.

The proof is still in the pudding, though, and that pudding doesn't get served in summer minicamps. The offense might have been better last year, too, but losing Jake Delhomme to injury in Week 3 killed the season. That rebuilt O-line needs to protect the quarterback to get this team back into the playoffs.

Didn't Steve Smith Think the Panthers Were Better Last Year, Too? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 17:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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But Really, Who Wouldn't Want to Fart Like Vinny Testaverde?

David J. Warner — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, NFC South, Charlotte, Carolina

If the whole Bert Blyleven thing wasn't enough to satisfy your craving for athletes farting, you'll love this story coming out of Charlotte.

It seems Carolina Panthers 3rd-string QB Brett Basanez tried to learn as much as he could from hanging around Vinny Testaverde last season. When asked how much he learned, he replied:

"Everything. I mean, that guy farted and I'm trying to figure out how to fart like him."

Do you hear that, kids? You learn to fart like an NFL quarterback, and you will own the huddle. Nothing builds camaraderie quite like a well-timed fart, and when you think of well-timed farts, who else do you think of but Vinny Testaverde?

We here at FanHouse wish young Mr. Basanez nothing but success in his quest to fart like Old Man Vinny. Only then will he be a true leader of men. Just like Captain Kirk.

But Really, Who Wouldn't Want to Fart Like Vinny Testaverde? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mike Rucker's Replacement: Julius Peppers?

David J. Warner — Sat, 31 May 2008 00:22:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, NFC South, Charlotte, Carolina

Mike Rucker's retirement left a gaping hole at the right defensive end spot for the Carolina Panthers. The team thinks, however, that they have just the man to fill Rucker's shoes, and he's been on the roster all along.

Julius Peppers, who has lined up at the left defensive end spot for his entire career in Charlotte, is getting looks on the right side during the offseason. Peppers actually lined up on the right side when he played at UNC, and the thinking is that moving back to his preferred spot will help him overcome his horrific 2.5-sack season, by far his worst as a pro.

Here's what makes this move interesting. During last year's late-season game against Dallas, rookie Charles Johnson lined up at left DE in place of an injured Peppers, and while he didn't have a brilliant game -- what rookie defensive end in his first start does -- he looked like he had potential to be a disruptive force.

Of course, Johnson is expected to compete with free agent signing Tyler Brayton for a starting job, but if Johnson wins, don't be surprised to see Peppers take Rucker's old spot. Anything that helps him get back on track at this stage is a good thing for Carolina.

Mike Rucker's Replacement: Julius Peppers? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 31 May 2008 00:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jake Delhomme's Arm Doesn't Fall Off While Taking Snaps in Practice

David J. Warner — Wed, 28 May 2008 13:05:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, NFC South, Charlotte, Carolina

All you Carolina Panthers fans who seem to think that Jake Delhomme's arm will break like glass any day now will have to keep waiting. Reports out of the team's "optional" offseason workouts indicate that Delhomme is taking snaps in team drills with no pain in his surgically repaired elbow.

So far, everything seems to be progressing well for Delhomme, who should be ready for training camp. At least, that's what some baseball players suggested to him a few months ago.

I saw Ken Griffey Jr. at a function and I introduced myself to him and there were a couple of other guys there and I said, 'Hey, I couldn't be happier (with the surgery).' They all busted out laughing ... and said, 'Tommy John, what a great surgery.' They've seen so many guys who have had so much relief after and hopefully I fall into that category."

That's exactly what John Fox is hoping, too. Jake Delhomme played 11 quarters of football last season and still let the Panthers in touchdown passes for 2007. Imagine if he plays a full season with a decent line blocking for him (for a change).

Jake Delhomme's Arm Doesn't Fall Off While Taking Snaps in Practice originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 28 May 2008 13:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Julius Peppers' Agent Claims Bad 2007 Season Will Have No Bearing on His Contract

Michael David Smith — Mon, 26 May 2008 13:15:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, Charlotte, Carolina

The agent for Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers isn't exactly a neutral observer when it comes to determining how much money Peppers deserves to earn. But he says Peppers' bad 2007 season won't affect the amount of money he'll make on his next contract -- and he says the team agrees:

"The organization has articulated, both to Julius and to me, that they still have full confidence in his abilities," agent Carl Carey said. "I have 100-percent confidence that what they're saying to Julius and to me is how they really feel."

But if what the Panthers are saying to Peppers and Carey is that they think just as highly of him now as they did a year ago, then I have 0 percent confidence that what they're saying is how they really feel. A year ago Peppers was coming off a 13-sack season. Now he's coming off a 2.5-sack season. Are we really supposed to believe that doesn't matter?

I believe that Peppers will eventually sign a long-term deal to stay with Carolina, but I don't believe it will be for the same kind of money that he could have gotten if he had had double-digit sacks in 2007. If he and his agent think a 2.5-sack season changes nothing, they're mistaken.

Julius Peppers' Agent Claims Bad 2007 Season Will Have No Bearing on His Contract originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 26 May 2008 13:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NC Central Gives Duke Lacrosse Accuser a Degree and Duke Fans Likely Not Thrilled

Will Brinson — Wed, 21 May 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: College Sports, Carolina

I would imagine that most Duke students, alumni and fans reacted similarly to Kristin Butler, a writer for DU's The Chronicle, when they heard that North Carolina Central University awarded Crystal Mangum a degree in "police psychology".

Mangum is the woman that made national news for an entire summer when she accused a varying number of Duke lacrosse players -- eventually settling on three -- of raping her. These accusations ended up being false, and Mangum's character was tarnished, to say the least, when a number of different and unknown DNA samples were found in her underwear, in addition to her admissions that she frequently abused drugs.

But now, she is a graduate of North Carolina Central University. Which, as Butler points, out is a bit contradictory.

Unsurprisingly, those actions constitute flagrant violations of NCCU's honor code, which prohibits:
'lewd, indecent or obscene conduct (whether public or private)'; 'violation of the alcohol policy, including binge drinking, use or personal possession of alcoholic beverages by undergraduate students;' and the real doozie, 'knowingly making in public a false [oral or] written or printed statement with the intent to deceive and/or mislead or injure the character or reputation of another.'

NCCU also touts itself as a 'drug-free academic community,' a claim that's hard to take seriously when one of the college's own students admits to turning tricks and getting high four or five nights per week. In fact, Mangum had overdosed on flexeril and booze when she was first picked up by police the night of March 14.

Mangum is probably not the first, or most flagrant offender, of the honor code and drug policies that Central (or any other university, for that matter) adheres too. That does not make it any less excusable. The real stomach churner is that two of the accused lacrosse players failed to graduate on time because of the investigation and public spectacle that ensued.

H/T: B. Brown

NC Central Gives Duke Lacrosse Accuser a Degree and Duke Fans Likely Not Thrilled originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 21 May 2008 10:57:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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John Fox Pencils In Stewart for Kickoff Duty

David J. Warner — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:25:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, NFC South, Charlotte, Carolina

The Carolina Panthers haven't returned a kickoff for a touchdown since Rod Smart did it in 2003, and since He Hate Me isn't walking through that door, John Fox is looking for answers there.

So it shouldn't have come as a shock, though it did at first, that Fox suggested to some charitable bigwigs in Charlotte that the Panthers' returner next season could be rookie running back Jonathan Stewart. Didn't Carolina draft Stewart to be a Stephen Davis clone?

Perhaps, but not every rookie running back is Purple Jesus, and it's not like Stewart has never returned kicks before. In fact, Stewart averaged 28.7 yards per return at Oregon and returned two to the house, and he did all that while also serving as the starting running back.

Of course, he still has to compete for that job in camp, too, as DeAngelo Williams -- who, by the way, reacted far more positively to Carolina selecting Stewart than at least one of his fans did -- remains the incumbent starter. However, Williams only averaged 17.8 yards per kickoff return last season, and Ryne Robinson managed 23 yards per return. So if Stewart can fill that role effectively, that wouldn't be a bad start to his NFL career.

John Fox Pencils In Stewart for Kickoff Duty originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 15 May 2008 21:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Former Panther Curtis Whitley Found Dead

Sportz Assassin — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:51:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, NFC South, Charlotte, Carolina

Curtis Whitley, a center who started all 16 games of the Carolina Panthers' inaugural 1995 season, was found dead in Texas. He was 39 years old.

Family members said Monday night that they learned earlier in the day that Whitley, who turned 39 on Saturday, had been found dead in Texas, where he was living. They were awaiting details about the cause of his death.

Whitley, who was with the San Diego Chargers, was selected by the Panthers in the expansion draft and started every game during the team's first season. That season was played at Clemson's Memorial Stadium, where Whitley starred at during the early 1990s. He would start eight games during the 1996 season, but then was suspended for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

He would come back and play for the Raiders in 1997, but was suspended again in '98 ... ending his career. It was originally thought that the suspensions were due to alcohol abuse, but Whitley later admitted that he was using crystal meth.

Former Panther Curtis Whitley Found Dead originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 13 May 2008 12:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Torry Holt Seriously Considering Leaving the St. Louis Rams?

Sportz Assassin — Mon, 12 May 2008 00:37:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, Rams, NFC South, NFC West, Carolina, St. Louis

There was some nervous laughter surrounding Torry Holt's recent comments about him becoming a Carolina Panther (see the video above ... the comments below). Holt was at a golf outing in North Carolina just after his brother Terrence signed with the Carolina Panthers.

"I wanted to send in my resignation to the the Rams and see if I could join him," the elder Holt joked. "I'm excited, but I'm also a little jealous because I've always wanted an opportunity to come back home."

Holt is from Greensboro, NC and was a star at NC State. There was some joking there, especially when the word "resignation" was thrown in.

However, it has to be a bit concerning to the Rams that Holt said this, especially as he enters the final two years of his contract. He's had a rocky relationship with head coach Scott Linehan and just witnessed the unceremonial exodus of fellow receiver Isaac Bruce this offseason.

Recent comments threw some more fuel on the fire ... especially since he name dropped the Panthers again.

"I have this year and next year, and hopefully I can finish those years out," Holt said at the conclusion of the day's minicamp practice. "Then, I'll see where I'm at. I'll see where I'm at physically. I'll see where I'm at emotionally, financially.

"And then, if they would like to do something here, I'll consider it. If not, then I'll have the option to go and explore and give my services somewhere else. So if that happens, Carolina will definitely be the first choice - no question about it. But I have '08 and '09 left to play, and that's what I plan on doing."

There it is again. While not saying he wants out, he is setting the table for if/when he does eventually leave. No doubt the Panthers would love to bring Holt in to play opposite Steve Smith. The NFL is full of players who long to return home to their roots to play for their local team.

The Rams are coming off a 3-13 season and aren't expected to contend in 2008. Sure, a guy like Holt would love to see his career end with the team he started with (and won a Super Bowl), but he just watched that same franchise shove fringe Hall Of Fame candidate Isaac Bruce off the plank. He may elect to leave on his own terms before the Rams decide for him.

Is Torry Holt Seriously Considering Leaving the St. Louis Rams? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 12 May 2008 00:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet the Robinsons: Packers Cut Koren; Tariq Arrested for Slinging Ecstasy

Sportz Assassin — Sat, 10 May 2008 19:21:00 EST

Filed under: Packers, NFC North, Carolina, Milwaukee

It hasn't been a great week for the Robinson family.

First off, receiver Koren Robinson was cut by the Packers, ending his tumultuous career in Green Bay. Robinson was suspended for a year after alcohol problems but seemed to have turned his life around. Last year, he was a serviceable part of the Packers' receiving and return corps and putting behind his history of alcohol abuse.

Next comes Tariq Robinson ... Koren's brother ... who was arrested for trafficking ecstasy in Cary, NC -- just outside of Raleigh.

Koren (who starred at NC State) owns the house that Tariq lives in. The good news is that there seems to be no other link between Koren and these charges. According to WRAL, the brothers have been estranged for over a year.

While this could cause teams to pause from signing Koren ... it really shouldn't keep him from finding another gig somewhere fairly soon. Buzz is that there are teams interested and if Koren really has his ish together, he'll be fine.

Meet the Robinsons: Packers Cut Koren; Tariq Arrested for Slinging Ecstasy originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 10 May 2008 19:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steve Smith Enjoyed His New Gym So Much, He Bought It

David J. Warner — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:35:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, NFC South, Charlotte, Carolina

As soon as his frustrating 2007 season ended, Carolina Panthers wideout Steve Smith decided he needed to blow off some steam. Instead of doing what some other NFL players might do -- like choking pregnant girlfriends or piloting boats while drinking -- Smith settled on a good old-fashioned workout at the gym.

Only Steve Smith doesn't go to normal gyms. No. He went to Velocity Sports Training, which specializes in improving athletes' speed, strength and agility. Smith really liked the workout he got there. In fact, he liked it so much, he bought a stake in the company.

Not only did Smith see an opportunity to work with other athletes and get a head start on his post-NFL career, but he saw actual improvement in his game during last weekend's minicamp.

"I could see a big difference (in performance) in a short amount of time," he said. "Physically, I feel stronger, and faster in and out of breaks."

So, to recap, Steve Smith, 28, All-Pro NFL wide receiver, is faster and stronger than he was last year, when he had 87 catches for 1,002 yards and 7 touchdowns under adverse conditions. Plus, his favorite quarterback is getting healthy, and his team has new depth at receiver. Still looking like a train wreck to you, Panthers fans?

Steve Smith Enjoyed His New Gym So Much, He Bought It originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 06 May 2008 21:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Panthers Are Deep at Receiver? Really?

David J. Warner — Mon, 05 May 2008 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, NFC South, Charlotte, Carolina

It's only May, so we're months away from seeing the proof here, but it seems the big story about The Train Wreck That Is The Carolina Panthers -- you can thank the FanHouse commenters for that moniker -- is that they have (*gasp*) actual depth at receiver.

First, there's D.J. Hackett, who reportedly made "several fine catches" during the weekend workouts and had nothing but good things to say about Jake Delhomme. In turn, the Panthers QB had nothing but good things to say about Muhsin Muhammad's return.

"I'll be honest with you -- the day we got Moose back, that was huge. And not for what he's done in the past. Just the way he works, the way he blocks. He brings a presence."

Another report has Jason Carter, the third-year man from Texas A&M who spent last season on the Panthers' practice squad, making the most spectacular catch of the weekend and looking generally impressive. That same report says, "Dwayne Jarrett has great hands. That's all." (Translation: He runs routes like Keary Colbert.)

Of course, it's way too early to tell whether any of these guys will take the double- and triple-teams off Steve Smith during actual games, but it sure sounds like there's a light at the end of the tunn-- Agh! It's an oncoming train! Run!

The Panthers Are Deep at Receiver? Really? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 05 May 2008 12:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jake Delhomme's Elbow Is Just Fine, Thanks

David J. Warner — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:46:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, NFC South, Charlotte, Carolina

Reports out of the first day of Carolina Panthers minicamp indicate that Jake Delhomme is throwing short passes without pain and has had zero setbacks in rehab following Tommy John surgery on his elbow.

In other news, all those pundits who thought the Panthers would trade half their draft to get Matt Ryan scurried back to their computers to research how to manipulate Google so that no one would ever find out how silly they were.

Delhomme isn't throwing long bombs just yet, but he's probably further along than the team thought he might be at this stage, and he should be very close to 100% again by the time training camp starts in July. How you react to that news may depend entirely on your opinion of Jake Delhomme as a quarterback. (I have co-workers who refer to him as "Forrest Gump." What they called David Carr, though, is unprintable here.)

The Charlotte Observer is also reporting that 3rd-round picks Dan Connor and Charles Godfrey are getting first-team looks at middle linebacker and free safety, respectively. Connor is filling in for Jon Beason, who had surgery on his wrist on Wednesday but is expected to be ready before full camp opens.

Jake Delhomme's Elbow Is Just Fine, Thanks originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 02 May 2008 16:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ben Stein Furious Over Panthers' New Signing

David J. Warner — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, NFC South, Charlotte, Carolina

Actor, game show host and intelligent design defender Ben Stein lashed out at the Carolina Panthers yesterday after hearing of their latest free agent signing.

"I think it's shameful that a team in the NFL, which is known to be filled with deeply religious people, would so eagerly accept Darwinism," said Stein.* "People need to understand the horrible impact this theory has had on millions of people."

Then someone explained to him that the Panthers actually signed Darwin Walker, the defensive tackle who formerly played for the Bears and the Eagles.

"Oh," said Stein.* "Well, that's entirely different. I was wondering why they waited so long to draft a defensive tackle."

Reportedly, Panthers coaches had been on the phone with Walker all throughout the draft to make sure he was still interested in joining the team, which explains why Carolina passed on several defensive tackles in the 3rd round. Walker is expected to move into John Fox's defensive line rotation with starters Damione Lewis and Ma'ake Kemoeatu and possibly either 6th-round pick Nick Hayden from Wisconsin or free agent rookie Brandon Jenkins from Mississippi. The full list of the Panthers' post-draft rookie signings is here.

* - Not actual quotes by Ben Stein. These are the jokes, people. It was also a cheap excuse to run that photo of Stein with Jenna Jameson. That pair would make a great sitcom, if sitcoms weren't dead.

Ben Stein Furious Over Panthers' New Signing originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jonathan Stewart's Football Idol: Walter Payton

David J. Warner — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, NFC South, NFL Draft, Charlotte, Carolina

We all know the Carolina Panthers drafted Jonathan Stewart to be the next Stephen Davis. Ask the big bruising running back from Oregon which NFL player he'd like to emulate, though, and he gives an even better answer:

Yeah. If video of the late, great Walter Payton pounding the ever-lovin' crap out of everything in his path doesn't get you going on a Monday morning, nothing will. If Stewart displays just half the unwillingness to be tackled that Sweetness did, Panthers fans are going to be very, very happy with this selection.

Jonathan Stewart's Football Idol: Walter Payton originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NFL Draft Grades: Carolina Panthers

David J. Warner — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:11:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, NFC South, NFL Draft, Charlotte, Carolina

Carolina Panthers 2008 Draft Picks:

13. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
19. Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
67. Charles Godfrey, DB, Iowa
74. Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
141. Gary Barnidge, TE, Louisville
181. Nick Hayden, DT, Wisconsin
221. Hilee Taylor, DE/OLB, UNC
241. Jeff Schwartz, G, Oregon
250. Mackenzy Bernadeau, G, Bentley

The Good: John Fox wanted to go back to the power running game he had in 2003, and GM Marty Hurney took this year's and next year's 1st-round picks to get it. Jonathan Stewart is the next Stephen Davis, and Jeff Otah could be a run-blocking force from the start. Carolina added some value players in the 3rd round, including a potential replacement for Chris Gamble, who's in the last year of his contract, and possibly another Dan Morgan without the concussion issues. They also added yet another 5th-round tight end -- their third in three years -- which could be a sign that Dante Rosario is poised to replace Brad Hoover at fullback after this season. They waited a while to get a defensive end, but they didn't need a starter there, and Nick Hayden has that Jordan Carstens look about him. (That's a good thing.)

The Bad: The Panthers didn't really address the defensive end spot, unless you believe Hilee Taylor is the Marques Colston of defensive ends. This shows a rather large amount of faith in Charles Johnson and Tyler Brayton, who will duke it out for the right end spot opposite Julius Peppers. Speaking of faith, I find this team's lack of faith in DeAngelo Williams disturbing. They should have just drafted Joseph Addai two years ago and been done with it then.

The Grade: B+. A lot of pundits will dock the Panthers for not drafting a future quarterback, but Jake Delhomme's rehab is progressing well, and everyone seemed to forget that Matt Moore was 2-1 as a starter last season. Fox has indicated that he was going to stand pat there and focus on improving the rest of offensive, which this team did boldly. Fox had better hope, though, that Stewart and Otah pan out, or he might be a coordinator somewhere else in 2009.

Click here to see more 2008 NFL Draft Grades.

NFL Draft Grades: Carolina Panthers originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:11:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panthers Boost Special Teams in Third Round

David J. Warner — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Panthers, NFC South, NFL Draft, Charlotte, Carolina

I freely admit that I was expecting the Carolina Panthers to use at least one of their 3rd-round picks to add some depth to their defensive line. Pat Sims from Auburn and Marcus Harrison from Arkansas were both available, and the Panthers needed to add to their defensive line rotation after trading Kris Jenkins to the Jets.

Instead, GM Marty Hurney veered left and went with a couple of guys whom many will consider "value picks" -- Iowa CB Charles Godfrey and Penn State LB Dan Connor.

I didn't really think the Panthers needed another linebacker, but Connor could be considered a poor man's Dan Morgan, and he provides some extra depth at the position behind Jon Beason. He could also step in and become a special teams performer.

As for Godfrey, he will become a special teams player out of the gate. He's known more for his tackling than his pass coverage, and somewhere down the road, he could be converted to (*gasp*) free safety.

These are not bad picks, really, and there might be plenty of defensive tackles late in the draft. (Carolina still has five picks left.) Still, there's not much behind Damione Lewis and Ma'ake Kemoeatu right now, and Carolina passed on some guys who probably could have helped that.

Panthers Boost Special Teams in Third Round originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 27 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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