Panthers

Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers was able to play, but not nearly as much as they needed, or as effectively, Thursday night against the Miami Dolphins.

The Carolina Panthers used to be known for comebacks.

If anything, this year’s version is becoming known for squandering them.

Instead of the Miami Dolphins, injured Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis said Wednesday he's preparing for knee surgery, and his future.

When you think about offensive innovation in the NFL, the Miami Dolphins' Wildcat and its copycat offspring are the hottest thing in years. Which makes it a little strange to think that it started with Carolina Panthers coach John Fox and had early plays drawn specifically for quarterback Brett Basanez.

The Panthers might not have as much of a Wildcat problem, but they still have a run defense problem heading into Thursday's game with Miami.

There were days recently when Carolina Panthers wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad simply felt like an old man.

But Tuesday, he could smile when he said it, because the old man just made some plays.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was in Charlotte on Monday and said he has been impressed with how active a role Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson has taken in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement with the players union.

When Carolina Panthers left tackle Jordan Gross went out for the season with a broken right ankle, it caused left guard Travelle Wharton to kick out one spot and second-year backup Mackenzy Bernadeau to move into Wharton's spot, the arrangement that likely will hold up the rest of the year.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was in Charlotte on Monday and said he has been impressed with how active a role Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson has taken in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement with the players union.

The eerie part is that it was part of the breakfast conversation Sunday morning.

But the reality for the Carolina Panthers quickly came to bear in the second quarter, when their offensive line changed significantly for the rest of the season.

The first time through, Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan had his way with the Carolina Panthers.

For eight games, the Carolina Panthers held their breath.

On Sunday, they finally had to dip into their offensive line depth, and they almost certainly will have to the rest of the year.

Sometimes, when you don't know what else to do, you just offer one up and hope for the best. So needing a win to save their season, the Carolina Panthers went to the air.

The Carolina Panthers finally proved they could pass for a win, but they lost their best pass protector in the process. The Panthers held on for a wild 21-19 win over Atlanta at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, pushing their record to 4-5.

If it looks like DeAngelo Williams has a fumbling problem now, it's only because he has been so secure with the ball before.