Archives for October 2009

‘It’ll be Reunion Sunday at Bank of America Stadium for Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart and Buffalo free safety Jairus Byrd.’

Bills’ ‘Piggy’ banking on a winning return to Charlotte (Charlotte Observer)

Oregon buddies reunite at game (Charlotte Observer)

Scouting the Bills: Pass defense is a strength (Gaston Gazette)

Offensive coordinator Davidson discusses Jake, Smitty and struggling passing game (Gaston Gazette)

Acquistion of Tyler gives Panthers options at DT (Rock Hill Herald)

Now with Buffalo, ‘Piggy’ Hangartner returns to face former team (Rock Hill Herald)

Panthers aim to get passing game off the ground (Greenville News)

Following the bouncing ball (Panthers.com)

‘In addition to Edwards, offensive tackle Jonathan Scott (ankle), safeties Bryan Scott (ankle) and Donte Whitner (ankle) have also been ruled out for Sunday. Scott will miss his second straight game with rookie Jamon Meredith again getting the start at right tackle. Rookie Jairus Byrd and fourth-year pro George Wilson will start at the safety positions.’

‘Starting safeties Donte Whitner (ankle) and Bryan Scott (ankle), and starting right tackle Jonathan Scott (ankle) are all out as well.’

‘Jauron nor the team’s training staff has put a timetable on Edwards possible return knowing no two cases of concussions are the same with respect to recovery.’

‘Levitre and Hangartner have to make sure they can force a stalemate at the line of scrimmage to give their quarterback an opportunity to step up in the pocket and go through his progressions.’

‘”As a running back we always see opportunities, that’s what we live for is an opportunity to make a play here or there,” Jackson said. “So, I think it’s another week to go out and take advantage of those opportunities. We’re excited and looking forward to it.”‘

‘Unless the Sabres are playing — and winning — the most popular athlete in the Niagara Frontier these days is, more likely than not, the backup quarterback of the Bills.’

‘"The guy’s been a great teammate," center Geoff Hangartner said. "He comes in and works his butt off. I’ve had nothing but great experiences with him. We’ve all heard about his reputation in the past, but I haven’t seen any of that at all. I think he’s been nothing but a great teammate."’

‘"I think the issue with Jake being under fire comes with the territory," Fox said. "When you’re the head coach or the starting quarterback, you get way more credit and way more blame when things go bad than maybe really right, but that’s what you sign up for. He’s doing fine. He’s not wavering whatsoever. He understands what we need to do to improve."’

‘I’d put Chiefs safety Johnny Robinson at the top of the list of AFL guys who should be in. Next would be ex-Raiders personnel man Ron Wolf. No. 3 would be Chiefs OT Jim Tyrer and then Chiefs WR Otis Taylor. Broncos RB Floyd Little is a candidate this year. He’s borderline. Patroits DT Houston Antwine and Denver WR Lionel Taylor are close. But former News columnist Larry Felser puts them in the Hall of Very Good, not the Hall of Fame.’

‘"I wouldn’t really say there’s any difference from my standpoint," running back Fred Jackson said when asked to compare the two quarterbacks. "(Ryan) knows what he’s doing, he prepares like he’s the No. 1 guy and he understands the offense and knows what he’s doing when he’s in there. We’re all comfortable with him being in there."’

‘"He’s big and quick," Bell said. "Most guys are small and quick, so when you’re big and quick …"’

Panthers temp hopes job lasts (Charlotte Observer)

Davis misses practice with hamstring injury (Charlotte Observer)

Panthers starting to regain swagger on defense, but big tests ahead (Gaston Gazette)

Bills likely to go with backup QB Fitzpatrick (Gaston Gazette)

Defense better, more aggressive (Rock Hill Herald)

Panthers look to lean on Lewis for special teams work (Rock Hill Herald)

Panthers aim to get passing game off the ground (Greenville News)

Panthers hope Lewis gives spark to special teams (AP)

Waiting pays off for newest Panther (Panthers.com)

Safety valve (Panthers.com)

‘Fitzpatrick, in the last nine games he’s been in is 5-3-1 … including a live streak of four straight wins.’