Division rivals moves have Panthers fans thinking this is the year

Minnesota losses and Green Bay spending have them hopeful in Carolina
By "Bucky Katz"

Off-Season 2102 (Charlotte) - With the three Minnesota free agents defecting to the frozen tundra and Green Bay signing players from the local high school to get under the cap, fottball fans in Carolina think the Panthers may benefit.

Franchise QB Kevin Jones is at the peak of his career. He has a couple of sterling receivers in Frank Spellman and Derrick Sherman to throw at. Chuck Coryatt is a solid pass catching TE. And with hard running Leonard Castillo taking over as the main running back, the offense is looking good this year, as long as an aging offensive line can hold up until the youngsters drafted the past two offseasons are ready for prime time.

On defense, the defensive line is one of the deepest around. Franchise DE 'Friar' Tuck Ridgle is in his twilight years, along with 'Fat' Tony Strickland. Osgood Morrison and John Harrison are solid in the middle. Linebackers Chris Taylor and Michael Moffitt can cover sideline to sideline on the outside, while Don Carrington brings some stopping power up the middle. Howie Christie and Addison Otto are a couple of the best cover corners around, while Lamont Anders and Lane Hein can add support from safety.

So the elements of a solid team having a good season is there. The roster is a good mix of young and old, with as good a depth as any other team in the league. The team goes out of their way to use all their slaary cap in the process. So why haven't they produced?

Many think it is the division powers of Minnesota and Green Bay that have been holding them back. But with those two franchises' offseason, maybe there is some hope in Carolina...at least this season.

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