Ok, we've been hearing rumors about the lockout from the players and the owners but there's a section that's been left out. I've got a rumor for that...

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Ok, so the Panthers drafted Cam Newton. They needed a QB and he's pretty good at it... but makes you scratch your head.

They drafted another cornerback too named Hogan... one that looks like a steal at the position... but it makes you scratch your head.

2 head scratchers... Cam because of his problems at Florida... and questions about his character... Hogan's been cited for public urination, received a DUI and then ticketed for driving on a suspended license.

Was Fox that demanding of high character on the team?

Did Fox read too deep into JR's character wishes?

Did JR tell Hurney to unleash the hounds and take a risk on character?

Would HIM (you know who) still be on the team if Rivera was the coach when HIM got his DUI?

Alright, let's say there's a lockout. The owners and the NFLPA are at odds and not communicating... the deadline has passed, and the fans are beginning to riot because there's no football.

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I don't know if this is new or old since the page doesn't have a date on it. I guess I can stop complaining. They finally did something to try to shore up the Oline... even if it's signing a guy they cut earlier in the season, it's something.

So, was Petitti better than Garry Williams, Schwartz, and MacBern at not being a turnstile? Below I added the link. The Panthers waived RB Josh Vaughn to make room for the former Cowboy.

The Panthers appear to be trying to bolster their depth as some of the recent additions must not be panning out.

I know this is seriously pessimistic, but considering how the season's going, it's a question I have.

Can this season lead to the Panthers being stigmatized? Meaning where no player wants to come to the team either through free agency of the draft...

Look at Eli Manning... drafted by the Chargers, he says, "Umm... sorry, but no."

Look at Ken Lucas... the Panthers wanted to trade him to the Lions. He says, "Umm... hell no!"

Are the Panthers going to be one of those organizations that players don't want to go to? There's going to be a new coaching staff so a new identity so to speak for the team is in the works, but will they be able to attract top free agents? (Assuming Hurney is able to pull the trigger on their contracts and I don't think Richardson will allow him to.)

I don't think they'll be the laughinstock of the NFL but you never know.

I would like to take a moment and give a big thank you!

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NFL Network was at Panthers training camp yesterday and spoke with: Marty Hurney, John Fox, Everette Brown, Jeff Otah, Ryan Kalil, Dan Connor, Matt Moore, and Steve Smith. Kind of hard to condense the show into a post but here's what I remember hearing:

All the players said camp was like old school football camp and very physical... that the defense was focusing heavily on stopping the run...

Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan were talking with Matt Moore and mentioned that the offense was having a hard time trying to move the ball during the 9 on 7 drills... that their 4 minute drills were going well and eating up the clock.

Pat and Tim watched practice and noticed that there were some 1 RB 3 WR sets... that the WR's are able to block... they were impressed that the defense crowded the box with 9 and the offense didn't seem to have too much trouble.

Everette said he's put on about 10 pounds and is working on his technique, trying to learn to take better angles... that Charles Johnson's got a couple of moves on his bull rush...

Otah's saying that he expects to be back for the opening game.

Matty's saying Dwayne Jarret's doing well... as is Lafell. That King, Rosario, and Barnidge add some offensive looks that can cause problems for opposing defenses as the passing game is opened up by the running game...

Dan Connor's loving it at MLB...

Norwood had good things said about him as did Hardy...

Pat and Tim did ding the defensive line saying that they'll be as prepared as they can be but they need to keep looking for better tackles as what they've got right now are journeymen...

Of all the things said by the players, I think the most poignant was stated by Smitty... he said (in regards to his broken arm and flag football) that he was focused the past few years on his goals... that he was (using an analogy he used) driving from California to North Carolina but not stopping to enjoy and admire the monuments... (like what Jerry Rice said at his induction... that he played scared for so long he never took the time to enjoy the game)... Smitty said that he was going to have more fun playing... that he told LaFell "Make me have fun... if you see I'm grumpy or something, MAKE me have fun".

He said that the new WR's are learning and getting better everyday.

Smitty said it wasn't that he turned a corner or grew up or anything... and remember, he said that he's tired of being the #1 receiver and was willing to give the slot to someone else...