Pair of pass catchers acquired from Vikings revitalize Panthers passing game
By "Bucky Katz"

Playoffs 2139 (Charlotte) - Panthers quarterback Bernie Brown calls them the 'Minnesota connection'.

His new number one receiver Mitch Elder and new tight end Gregg Childs had battled against his team many times before they were acquired by Carolina in the offseason. When Bernie heard about the trade, he smiled.

After the Panthers playoff appearance last season in which they lost by three points to Chicago in a close game, the players and GM 'Trader' Lee Remley knew they needed some more oomph on offense. So when his old friend and mentor Lou Lombardo in Minnesota offered his veteran pass catchers for trade, Remley grabbed them.

The results? The Panthers are number one on offense in both passing and rushing. Bernie Brown has the best quarterback rating in the USAFL. Elder is fourth in the league with 97 catches and Childs pulled down 41 balls.

While the ultimate playoff fate of the Panthers is still to be decided, everyone in Carolina likes their chances.

'Those two guys have opened up our passing game,' Brown says. 'And they are a real pleasure to throw to.'