The ghost of Dandy Don Meredith sings again
By "Bucky Katz"

Playoffs 2107 (Charlotte) - In the ancient days of Monday Night Football back in the 20th century, announcer and former Dallas Cowboy quarterback 'Dandy' Don Meredith sang 'Turn out the lights, the party's over' when he deemed a gridiron match up to already be decided.

Now in 2107, 'Dandy' Don's ghost sings again as the two recent USAFL powers, the Buffalo Bills and our Carolina Panthers, have been knocked from their Sundby Cup hopes this season.

Two new powers are emerging in their place. The Chicago Bears, boasting their smothering 4-6 defense and their 'no TE' offense, have toppled their division rivals and defending Sundby Cup champions in Carolina.

In the AFC, the Miami Dolphins have risen like the ancient story of the phoenix from the flames as they smote the dynasty that is the Buffalo Bills (and their division rival also) as they rally around an old soldier, veteran QB Tyrone Pitts, trying to make it back to that Sundby Cup that has long eluded them.

Why do we mention the Dolphins? Well, beside the fact that Panthers GM 'Trader' Lee Remley made his mark as assistant GM of that franchise early in his career, he recommended the signing of Pitts to his old boss, Dolphins GM Mike Morton.

Of course, the mention of the Bears is obvious. It has been apparent this season that the baton is being passed, as the Bears have become the power in the NFC West division, and possibly the league if they can survive the NFC championship game.

As for our Panthers, five of our brave warriors decided to shed their armor for good at the end of the season.

Starting DE Steve Smelt and starting CB Gregg Mack are the most notable of those hanging up their cleats. Veterans John Morvich at DE and G Joe Gregg also called it a career. The most surprising retirement though, was QB Dwight Grant after only two seasons.

Apparently Grant felt former first round pick Rhett Pankey was pretty much annointed the QB of the future and decided to go back to Notre Dame as an assistant coach and pursue a coaching career.

So while the Panthers start planning for next season, the Bears and the Dolphins play on, hoping for that ultimate glory that a Sundby Cup will bring.