The Book

an opposing team's scout sizes up the Panthers

"They're going to disappoint people who are picking them for the playoffs. Steve Beuerlein is immobile, but he's coming off a career year. The wide receivers are nicked-up, and they have to stay healthy. I don't like their offensive line, even when it's healthy, which it hasn't been in camp....

Their tailback, Tshimanga Biakabutuka, has been hurt every year he's been in the league, and they don't have much behind him....

The defensive line is built on a prayer. Reggie White and Eric Swann are both on the downside of their careers. Chuck Smith has an arthritic knee. If he could still rush the passer for a full season, [defensive line coach] Bill Kollar never would have let him leave Atlanta....

Losing Mike Barrow at linebacker hurts. Dean Wells is just a guy.... Their cornerbacks can't run. I don't know what they're going to do. [ Jaguars wideout] Jimmy Smith ran by Eric Davis like he wasn't even there in their exhibition game. If Beuerlein is hot again, well, they're going to find themselves in a lot I of track meets."