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Panthers Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:47:48 PDT

In an effort to beef up his team's pass rush, coach John Fox is not only changing up personnel on the defensive line but also changing the scheme for getting to the quarterback.

A year ago, the Panthers pass rush was so futile they flirted with setting the NFL record for fewest sacks in a season.

They avoided that embarrassing scenario with a late push, finishing with 23, but the inability to get to the quarterback was a major area of concern for Fox heading into the offseason.

"We had to do things to get a better pass rush," Fox said recently at minicamp. "Those two big guys (Kris Jenkins and Maake Kemoeatu) in there are really good on the run, but you still need some speed and quickness to rush the passer.

Former center Whitley dead at 39 (AP)

Wed, 14 May 2008 08:56:22 PDT

Former NFL center Curtis Whitley, who played for three teams in the 1990s and had a history of substance use, was found dead in his trailer home in West Texas. The Pecos County sheriff said Wednesday that the 39-year-old Whitley was found Sunday night in Fort Stockton, about 220 miles east of El Paso.

Will Holt bolt St. Louis when contract expires? (Yahoo! Sports)

Mon, 12 May 2008 10:13:35 PDT

Torry Holt raised eyebrows three weeks ago when he talked about reuniting with his brother Terrence — a...

NFL fates hinge on 7 bounce-back veterans (SportingNews.com)

Fri, 09 May 2008 13:06:22 PDT

We have spent the last few months focusing on the NFL draft and free agency. However, many teams are counting on...

Panthers turn to veteran receivers Hackett, Muhammad (AP)

Sun, 04 May 2008 12:21:30 PDT

Just like last season, No. 18 lined up next to Steve Smith in the Carolina Panthers' three-receiver set at Sunday's minicamp practice. Only this No. 18 wasn't the underachieving speedster with suspect hands. The Panthers have traded out Drew Carter for D.J. Hackett. Keary Colbert wasn't around on the sun-splashed morning either.

Panthers' Williams doesn't mind sharing with rookie Stewart (AP)

Sat, 03 May 2008 13:08:56 PDT

DeAngelo Williams was stuck as the Carolina Panthers' No. 2 running back last season, even though he averaged more yards per carry and had one more touchdown than DeShaun Foster. Williams finally became the featured back in February when Foster was released, only to perhaps lose the job last weekend when the Panthers took bruising Jonathan Stewart with the 13th pick in the draft.

Delhomme throwing again for Panthers at minicamp (AP)

Fri, 02 May 2008 14:34:13 PDT

Jake Delhomme threw passes Friday as the Carolina Panthers opened minicamp, but the team's two first-round draft picks and last season's leading tackler sat out with injuries. Delhomme, who is coming off Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last year, practiced for the first time since last September.

Panthers bulk up line by signing DT Ian Scott (AP)

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:12:05 PDT

The Carolina Panthers added more depth at defensive tackle with the signing of free agent Ian Scott. The move came a day after the Panthers came to terms with Darwin Walker on a one-year deal. Walker and Scott signed their contracts Tuesday, giving the Panthers' much needed help on the defensive line.

Panthers reach terms with DT Darwin Walker (AP)

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:24:33 PDT

The Carolina Panthers added depth on their defensive line by agreeing to a one-year deal with free agent Darwin Walker. Walker's agent, Al Irby, confirmed the deal Monday. The Chicago Bears let Walker go in February. Walker played in 11 games with seven starts in an injury-plagued season with Chicago in 2007.

Panthers use draft to get bigger, faster, more physical (Yahoo! Sports)

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:58:13 PDT

In a draft that team officials hope will help propel the Carolina Panthers back into playoff contention,...

NFC grades: Redskins, Panthers earn high marks (Yahoo! Sports)

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:45:00 PDT

The two teams combined for 19 picks with plenty of potential starters on offense and defense.

Waiting game ends for Dixon (Yahoo! Sports)

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 14:06:00 PDT

Dennis Dixon felt slighted earlier in the fifth round but rejoiced after getting drafted by the Steelers.

No pity party for former Oregon star (Yahoo! Sports)

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 01:27:00 PDT

Dennis Dixon was not drafted Saturday, but that hasn't taken away from his larger achievements.

Rams make the right move in selecting Chris Long (SportingNews.com)

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 22:55:42 PDT

The Rams filled a big and immediate need by picking Virginia defensive end Chris Long with No. 2 pick in the 2008 NFL draft.

Quick impressions of the first day of the NFL draft (SportingNews.com)

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 22:46:03 PDT

The Chiefs' big day, the lack of trades involving established stars and a new receiver for Donavan McNabb are among the many nuggets from day one of the NFL draft.

NFL draft winners and losers (Yahoo! Sports)

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:56:00 PDT

The Jaguars came out of the draft's first day looking good. Same can't be said for Vince Young.

NFL Draft First-Round Selections (AP)

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 16:42:46 PDT

The first-round picks in Saturday NFL draft: 1) Miami Dolphins -- JAKE LONG, 6-7, 315, Michigan, OT: Bulldozer of a tackle in the run game who can also be a solid insurance policy for any franchise QB. Has the strength to move the pile and aggressiveness and smarts to clear out second-level blockers.

Panthers take RB Stewart, T Otah in 1st round (AP)

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 16:07:58 PDT

The Carolina Panthers spent the first day of the draft giving up a lot in hopes of quickly fixing their stagnant offense and returning to the playoffs after a two-year absence. The Panthers selected Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart with their 13th overall pick on Saturday, then pulled off a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles to get the 19th pick, where they took tackle Jeff Otah of Pittsburgh.

Panthers take T Otah at No. 19 after trade with Eagles (PA SportsTicker)

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 14:24:37 PDT

The Carolina Panthers paid a hefty price tag for left tackle Jeff Otah.

Panthers take RB Stewart with 13th pick (PA SportsTicker)

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:40:02 PDT

The Carolina Panthers moved quickly to add depth to their running game, selecting Jonathan Stewart with the 13th overall pick in Saturday's NFL draft.

NFL draft interest mixed among current players (AP)

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:25:35 PDT

Dre' Bly has no plans to watch the NFL draft. Jerricho Cotchery plans to take in the entire 16 hours. While die-hard NFL fans will spend almost an entire spring weekend holed up inside getting hypnotized by Mel Kiper Jr., interest in the draft varies among current NFL players. "I've got two boys that play baseball and they each have a game on separate teams, so I'll have two games to go to," said...

Lions like Florida's Harvey but would have to trade up to get him (Yahoo! Sports)

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:37:18 PDT

When describing the Tampa Two defense, Detroit Lions Rod Marinelli has said the same thing over and over and...

32 Questions: Draft edition (Yahoo! Sports)

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:57:00 PDT

This weekend's draft will have little effect on team rankings.

Seven players, seven smart draft-day trades (SportingNews.com)

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:06:39 PDT

It's fun to play GM, and that's why pro football pundits and fans love doing mock drafts. But why stop at just predicting the picks? Why not some "mock trading" while we're at it?

Clemson's Merling works out for NFL scouts (AP)

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:22:47 PDT

Two days before the NFL draft, Phillip Merling stood on Clemson's practice field amid two dozen eager NFL observers, including Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, who could change his life forever. Yet, the Clemson defensive end, who has been injured for much of the offseason, said he wasn't nervous. "I did what I had to do to come into this moment," Merling said Thursday.

DRAFT 2008: NFL Draft Team Capsules (AP)

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:29:53 PDT

1. MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-15)= LAST SEASON: The worst season in franchise history, including an 0-13 start, led to the Dolphins' fourth coaching change since 2004. New football czar Bill Parcells brought in coach Tony Sparano and general manager Jeff Ireland, both from the Dallas Cowboys. THEY NEED: Name a position.

Panthers need plenty of help on the defensive line (AP)

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:25:41 PDT

The Carolina Panthers were long known for having a ferocious defensive line and an average back seven. That reputation lived on even as the front four's production noticeably slipped in recent years. Now, after Mike Rucker's retirement and the offseason trade that sent Kris Jenkins to the New York Jets, reshaping the defensive line is one of Carolina's top priorities in this weekend's draft.

Panthers DE Mike Rucker announces retirement (AP)

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:48:49 PDT

Mike Rucker turned to thank Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson and started to choke up. Richardson's lower lip was quivering as he wiped his eyes with a tissue. It was clear from the moist eyes that filled the room during his retirement news conference that the defensive end left a mark on the franchise -- well beyond his 553 tackles and 55 1/2 sacks.

Panthers DE Rucker retires (PA SportsTicker)

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:13:42 PDT

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Ticker) -- Carolina Panthers defensive end Mike Rucker retired Tuesday, calling it quits after a nine-year career.

Parcells, Dimitroff in the draft spotlight (Yahoo! Sports)

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:12:00 PDT

Among the intriguing story lines going into the weekend is how Miami and Atlanta's new decision-makers fare.