New look Panthers operating on
By "Bucky Katz"

Off-Season 2158 (Charlotte) - As the sun sets on another day of minicamp here in Charlotte, many are taking stock of the young team in Carolina.

The overriding question is: Can these guys get any better?

Carolina Panthers 'Trader' Lee Remley surveys the minicamp action from his enclosed booth high above the practice field, taking in every detail of his team's movements, seeing if the team he has assembled is up to the task.

Many players have seen the exit door the past two offseasons. There are no copies of the home game or lovely parting gifts to be found as they leave.

'We are taking a page out of one of our division rivals book and operating on the 'Ricotta plan' these days,' Remley told the assembled media at his weekly press conference. 'If these guys can't come up to speed and contribute quickly, they are out the door. A lot of players are out there looking for work.'

This is a contrast to a team that was often very patient with young players, and often gave several of them a second chance after being released by other clubs.

On the other hand, those that do have talent still have a lot to learn.

'One thing with young players, is you have to let them mature into the player they can be,' Remley said. 'That's a lot different from a veteran laden team where rookies can ride the pine a few years. These guys have to do the job right now. The good thing is, a lot of these guys will hit their stride about the same time. Then it's going to be interesting around here.'

Do Panthers fans have the patience to wait them out? Will the failure to get the young QB some more protection up front in the offseason be a factor as the season opens?

As one old time player once said, 'get your popcorn ready.'