Carolina Panthers

After a season where the Panthers did not have a single prime-time game, the NFL just recently released the 2012 schedule that features two prime-time games for the Carolina Panthers.   The first prime-time game is in Week 3 and it's against the New York Giants, who (of course) are the defending Super Bowl champions.  This will be quite a test for the Carolina Panthers, considering the timing of this game.   In Week 1, the Panthers are...  

The 2012 Carolina Panthers schedule marks an opportunity for the team to get back to the NFC Playoffs. There are some tough games in the regular season schedule, but giving Cam Newton more weapons to work with in the coming season could really help this team shine.  

CBSsports.com rated the Carolina Panthers schedule strength a 7 out of 10, and I cannot help but agree. They have quite a few tough games against NFC opponents, but then AFC games against the Chiefs, Raiders, and Seahawks should be a bit easier.  

The Carolina Panthers will begin the 2012 season at Tampa Bay while the Democratic National Convention is in Charlotte, and end it in New Orleans, the site of next year’s Super Bowl. In between, the Panthers will face their former coach, both Manning brothers, and the reigning Super Bowl champion Giants in one of two primetime games.For only the third time in franchise history, the Panthers will meet all three of their divisional opponents...  

Breakdown: The Panthers hadn’t played a prime-time game since playing Pittsburgh in a dismal 2010 season. But the days of flying under the radar are over. The Panthers will appear in two nationally-televised games this season and they’re bot ...  

The 2012 Carolina Panthers schedule was released on Tuesday, April 17 and it is clear that Cam Newton has excited the NFL. There are two evening games for the Panthers after having none in 2011. Clearly the popularity of Cam Newton has helped Carolina become relevant enough for prime time football. The Panthers also have the chance to prove themselves early against the NFC South and a huge game against former coach John Fox. Having been a huge...  

He is one of the few quarterbacks around that might possibly approach Cam Newton's athleticism ... They are set to take on the Eagles and Michael Vick. Hopefully Vick will make it that far into the season before he gets hurt. It seems like it happens ...  

The Carolina Panthers certainly will have their hands full in 2012 with five out of conference road games in addition to the usual tough NFC South slate. A team that faces this many solid football teams has no choice but to improve. If the Panthers make the playoffs in 2012, they will have to go through some tough teams to get there. Consider the Panthers road schedule outside of the NFC South:  

Carolina will look to improve on a third-place finish in NFC South—a tough division that features an embattled New Orleans team and an always-competitive Falcons squad with a fierce offense. This year will be the year for the Panthers to capitalize on ...  

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cam Newton has helped earn the Carolina Panthers two national television appearances in the 2012 season. Sept. 9 at Tampa Bay, 4:15 p.m. Sept. 16 New Orleans, 1 p.m. Sept. 20 N.Y. Giants, 8:20 p.m. Sept. 30 at Atlanta, 1 p.m ...  

Like any huge Carolina Panthers fan, I hawk the NFL headlines every single day looking for any new information about my beloved team. Wide receiver is one of the positions that I know we need help in, so I was rather excited when I saw a headline that said, "Panthers sign wide...  

The Carolina Panthers announced defensive end Antwan Applewhite has agreed to a new contract. Applewhite started one game last season and played in 12, his first season with the Panthers after playing in the Chargers 3-4 defense and starting 10 games in 2010.  

In the continuation of our draft week "Interviewpalooza" (we've got a few more interesting names on the way), here's an exclusive interview with Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who was named Gatorade's newest roster athlete during Super Bowl week. He spent some time in Mid-March  shooting his first Gatorade commercial, which will focus on his pre-game nutrition and rituals. It's something that's been on Newton's mind a lot as he...  

Jordan Senn quietly went about having a huge season in 2011. This somewhat undersized linebacker stepped in late in the year and completely dominated the opposition. When it looked as though he was going to be lost during the free agent signing period, the Carolina Panthers looked like they were making a mistake. Being a huge Carolina Panthers fan, I was thinking they had lost their minds in letting this guy walk away. Fortunately the Panthers...  

As a huge Carolina Panthers fan, it is very easy to get excited about the coming 2012 season. Even before we had Cam Newton, getting fired up for a new season was easy. A new season means renewed hope and excitement, as well as the chance to see how your favorite team improved. It also brings with it a ton of questions. The Carolina Panthers have some exciting questions to be answered in 2012. The majority of those questions are on defense...  

A significant number of Carolina Panthers fans were expecting them to draft a hulking defensive tackle with their first round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Instead the Panthers went after Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly. Though he is not the guy that fans expected, he is still looking like a wonderful pick. As a huge Carolina Panthers fan myself, I can easily see how he will improve our defense in a number of ways.  

When the Carolina Panthers reached out and got former Arkansas standout Joe Adams, I literally stood up and cheered. Finally, for the first time in years, the Cats have a real threat on special teams. As a huge Carolina Panthers fan, that feels awfully good. For the last couple of seasons it seems that we were actually moving backwards in this important area. Armanti Edwards was a popular yet unproductive option returning punts. Kealoha...  

As a fan of the Carolina Panthers, I love their colors, their jerseys, and their logo. This Carolina Panthers Mother's Day gift guide with these officially licensed NFL products provides the top five gifts that you can get for your mom or wife on Mother's Day to help her look her best on game day.  

Alex Smith certainly knows how to start a firestorm for the Carolina Panthers. The San Francisco 49ers number one pick from 2005 had plenty to say about Cam Newton's rookie year and I really don't have a problem with that as a fan. It is clear to me that his motivations are fragile, but his message is true. Alex Smith has always had to play the "numbers don't matter" card because his numbers have not mattered. He is a game manager that had a...  

Of all the rookies that should be on the Carolina Panthers opening day roster, Joe Adams might be the most likely to surprise. Adams has a whole lot of things working in his favor. As a huge Carolina Panthers football fan, I recognize that this guy seems custom made for our team. Not only will he boost our special teams, but he will also be much more than that on offense. This is not based purely on my own fan excitement, however. These...  

The Bank of America stadium received an unsolicited facelift Wednesday morning.  Five people from the Rainforest Action Network unveiled a 70-foot banner on top of the building. The banner re-named the building, "Bank of Coal." This is happening just days before the bank's annual shareholder meeting. Many think this act was intended to call attention to the bank's role as the leading financier ...  

H BEND, Ind. -- It was 2009 all over again, maybe even better for Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd. His decision to enlist former Irish star and current Carolina Panthers backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen Tuesday at the on-campus Pro Day did nothing but enhance the climb the...  

Just before the start of the 2011 NFL season, Steve Smith was contemplating of playing elsewhere. But coming off one of his best seasons, Smith and the Carolina Panthers agreed on a three-year extension that will net him roughly $18 million in guaranteed salary, which will likely keep him with the franchise for the rest of his career. But just a year ago, it would have been hard to imagine that Smith would remain a Panther with the team...  

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith wore a teal T-shirt featuring Gizmo from "Gremlins" during the press conference announcing his three-year contract extension with the team. A 33-year-old man wearing a shirt with a 28-year-old movie character to an event celebrating a guaranteed $18 million contract. "I'm always feeling like a kid, obviously by the shirt it shows that," Smith told NFL Network. He went on to state his three...  

(Reuters) - Steve Smith, the Carolina Panthers' all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, agreed to a three-year contract extension, the National Football League team said on Tuesday. Benefitting from the passing of rookie quarterback Cam Newton, the 32-year-old All-Pro receiver caught 79 passes for 1,394 yards and seven touchdowns last season. The 32-year-old now has 699 career receptions for 10,278 yards and 67 total touchdowns, 59...  

Members of Rainforest Action Network unfurled the banner renaming Bank of America Stadium the "Bank of Coal." They claim BofA is financing the coal industry and they want the banking giant to stop and invest in cleaner, renewable energy.  

Carolina Panthers running back Mike Goodson was dealt to the Raiders for offensive tackle Bruce Campbell. "We wanted to acquire another player to compete at the running back position," said Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie.  

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton now has a huge statue of himself to go along with his Heisman Trophy and AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He also has outsized expectations for Year 2.  

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Oakland Raiders acquired running back Mike Goodson from the Carolina Panthers on Friday in exchange for offensive tackle Bruce Campbell, a trade both teams hope will improve their depth.  

Protestors with the Rainforest Action Network were taken into custody Wednesday morning. They climbed the side of Bank of America Stadium and unfurled a 70 foot banner calling the bank the "Bank of Coal."  

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Panthers have signed all seven of their draft picks, including linebacker Luke Kuechly from Boston College, Carolina's first-round pick and the No. 9 overall choice.  

The Carolina Panthers 2012 NFL Draft grades were good, mostly in the A- and B+ range, indicating a fairly good draft (I compiled the Panthers draft grades here as a quick reference guide).  

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Carolina Panthers have drafted cornerback Josh Norman of Coastal Carolina with the 143rd overall selection in the fifth round of the NFL draft.  

Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson has knee surgery recently and may miss the rest of the team's voluntary workouts and minicamps.  

Despite an incredible season, the Carolina Panthers quarterback says a lot of emotional work can be done in 2012.  

Click here to see our previous team needs reports The Carolina Panthers made some strides in the 2011 season...  

It's still a little early to characterize the linebacker situation in Carolina as an embarrassment of riches.  

The Carolina Panthers have re-signed defensive end Antwan Applewhite to a one-year contract.  

The NFL Draft is now over. Let the draft grades begin!