Can once proud franchise start turning it around this season?
By "Bucky Katz"

Off-Season 2128 (Charlotte) - The Carolina Panthers go to training camp with a renewed hope that the team can start rebounding from their most disastrous season under their current GMs watch.

The acquisition of HB Rich Owens makes the offense hopeful they can get the running game going again. Owens is not the typical Carolina bowling ball back but he has speed and receiving skills that should help the offense.

The other key on offense was the re-signing of guard Leo Mills. With an aging line around him, the Panthers needed an anchor for the future there.

On defense, patience may be needed. The defensive linemen outside DE Pat Brady are all young and need time to grow. At LB, Brian Garnett was re-signed, so last year's effective backer unit remains intact. Also, the third pick of the draft, LB Marty Hampton, looks to be an effective replacement for aging Chris Austin in a year or two.

Hard hitting safeties Thane Fullington and Tony Glover look to terrorize receivers in the USAFL for many years. Cornerback Jesse Hanks is not quite ready for prime time, but he looks to be the potential stud out of a nice group of young pass defenders.

Observers are hopeful the Panthers can squeeze out more than three wins this season, even in that tough NFC West division. While 7-7 may be the best this team can hope for this season, the group of youngsters the team is assembling hope to make people sit up and take notice of the Panthers again in upcoming seasons.