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Time for a look at the top Wednesday morning headlines from around the NFC South.

• I don’t know if it will change anything, but New Orleans linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive end Will Smith and former Saints Scott Fujita and Anthony Hargrove will have appeals of their suspensions for their roles in the bounty program heard by an arbitrator Wednesday. Even if nothing comes of this, this isn’t the end of the line. The NFL Players Association has filed a separate grievance with the league’s system arbitrator. They also have filed an appeal with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who issued the punishments in the first place.

• Although the Saints have a veteran coaching staff and roster, Jeff Duncan writes they already miss suspended coach Sean Payton. I think the Saints potentially can weather this one, but it’s going to be a process and some assistant coaches and some of the leadership among the players will have to step forward to help compensate for some of the intangibles that left the building with Payton.

• Here’s a column that takes issue with the prospect of taxpayer money being used to potentially finance a new stadium for the Atlanta Falcons. I totally understand the argument that the people of Georgia have other needs and that Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank already makes plenty of money. But, in today’s NFL, you need state-of-the-art stadiums to stay competitive. It may not be ideal, but the norm is for taxpayers to pick up at least some of the tab for a new stadium.

• Speaking of sports and the economy, let’s go a little outside the box. I don’t do much reading in the world of finance, but a former co-worker passed along this column by a financial planner, who writes that recent events have caused him to lose his life-long passion for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the NFL in general. The author concludes that professional sports are a waste of time, money and energy. I don’t necessarily agree with that, but he brings up some points worth pondering.

• Former Carolina Panthers running back Stephen Davis was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. Davis earned the honor exclusively for his spectacular high school career, when he was nicknamed “Little Herschel’’ after Herschel Walker. But I’ll always remember Davis for his role in the Panthers’ 2003 season. That year, Davis arrived in Carolina and instantly became the focus of the offense. Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad each made some big plays along the way, but Davis was the glue to the Carolina offense as the Panthers went to their only Super Bowl.

• Brian Allee-Walsh has a theory that agent Tom Condon isn’t simply looking for a new deal for New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees. He speculates that Condon is trying to raise the bar for all quarterback contracts. There’s some logic in there because Condon’s agency represents nearly half of the NFL’s starting quarterbacks.

Lots to catch up on as several NFC South teams held rookie camps over the weekend. Let's take a quick spin through some of the headlines from around the division.

• Carolina first-round draft pick Luke Kuechly went through the team’s rookie camp working at weak-side linebacker. He could end up staying there, but I don’t think anything is set in stone right now. The Panthers want to get a look at middle linebacker Jon Beason and outside linebacker Thomas Davis in training camp before making any firm decisions. Beason and Davis each are coming back from major injuries. Beason has played a little on the outside in the past and Kuechly spent most of his college career in the middle.

• Receiver Plaxico Burress caused a stir last week when he mentioned the Panthers as a team he’d be interested in playing for. I think the real question is, do the Panthers have any interest in Burress? I strongly doubt it. Burress will turn 35 in August. I just don’t see general manager Marty Hurney signing a receiver that’s about to turn 35. Besides, the Panthers have lots of young options -- Brandon LaFell, David Gettis, Kealoha Pilares and Joe Adams -- to go with Steve Smith. Also, Carolina history has shown that it’s not always a wise idea to bring in big-name receivers (see Keyshawn Johnson). There only has been one guy who has truly fit well opposite Smith and that was Muhsin Muhammad.

• Speaking of Carolina receivers that never really worked out, Dwayne Jarrett has signed to play in the Canadian Football League. Maybe Armanti Edwards can follow?

• Mike Triplett has a good overview of the contract standoff between Drew Brees and the Saints. He points out this situation isn’t all that unusual, it’s just unexpected because many fans thought the team would give Brees a blank check or the quarterback would give the Saints a hometown discount. Don’t be surprised if this one drags on until close to the July 16 deadline for Brees to sign his franchise tag.

• New Orleans fifth-round draft pick Corey White caused a bit of a stir when he said he was looking forward to intercepting passes from Brees in practice. Brees had a good-natured response, but made it clear he doesn’t expect the rookie defensive back to be picking off very many of his passes.

• With middle linebacker Curtis Lofton leaving for New Orleans as a free agent, Atlanta outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon said he needs to become a more verbal leader. That’s a good idea. It’s pretty obvious new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has big plans for Weatherspoon. He’s Atlanta’s most athletic linebacker and the Falcons believe he can be a playmaker. They wouldn’t have let Lofton go if they didn’t think Weatherspoon was ready for the next step.

• Defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi showed up at Atlanta’s rookie camp weighing about 260 pounds. That’s about 15 less pounds than Massaquoi carried in his final season at Detroit. The weight loss was by design. The Falcons believe Massaquoi can make more of an impact as a pass-rusher if he’s not carrying as much weight.

• After his first practice with the Falcons, rookie offensive lineman Peter Konz broke into the “Dirty Bird’’ dance that was popular when the 1998 team was on its way to the Super Bowl. Although Konz grew up in Wisconsin, he became a fan of the Falcons during their Super Bowl run.

• Keeping with the league-wide trend of getting draft picks signed much earlier than in past years, Konz and the Falcons agreed to contract terms. The Falcons also signed three other draft picks.

• Bradley Handwerger writes that the NFL should show all its evidence related to the Saints’ bounty program. Fans have been screaming for more evidence after the team was hit hard by suspensions of coaches and players. I understand the frustration and I also would like to see more evidence. But the fact is, this isn’t a court of law. The NFL isn’t required to show all its evidence. If grievances, appeals or lawsuits (or some combination of the three) can get this situation into a court of law, that’s the only way we’re going to see all of the NFL’s evidence.

• Those of you that have been reading this blog regularly through the years know that I’m forever indebted to legendary former Tampa Tribune sports editor and columnist Tom McEwen. He gave me my first job in this business. As the one-year anniversary of McEwen’s death approaches, McEwen’s family and friends are making sure his legacy of helping young journalists continues. University of Florida journalism student Emily Padgett is the first recipient of a scholarship established in McEwen’s name.

There's a big focus on New York on Thursday as the Saints appeal their suspensions and punishments for their bounty program and we'll stay on that all day. But let's take a quick run through some other NFC South headlines.

Although he was very close to former Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris, veteran cornerback Ronde Barber said it’s a good thing new coach Greg Schiano is running a tighter ship. He’s right. Morris was a nice guy and was well liked by his players. But it became painfully obvious last season that he wasn’t running a very structured program and at least some of his players were taking advantage of that. It quickly has become obvious that Schiano is running a much more structured program.

Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan showed up at Augusta National. He wasn’t a spectator for the Masters. He was working as a caddie. Ryan will get back to his regular job April 16, when the Falcons begin their offseason program.

At a gathering to celebrate former Carolina receiver Muhsin Muhammad taking over a restaurant chain, Panthers owner Jerry Richardson said it often is difficult for athletes to adjust to the business world. Muhammad might be wise to take some notes from his former boss. Richardson is the ultimate success story of a former player in the business world. Richardson had a brief career as a receiver with the Baltimore Colts in the Johnny Unitas days. He then started a fast-food franchise that grew into a restaurant empire that gave Richardson the resources he needed to start the Panthers as an expansion team in 1995.

In some non-bounty news involving the Saints, a federal judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit over whether the phrase “Who Dat’’ can be trademarked or is public domain. The case is scheduled to go to trial later this month.

Former Atlanta safety James Sanders has left for Arizona as a free agent. Sanders provided stability in Atlanta’s secondary as William Moore and Thomas DeCoud went through some growing pains. But Moore and DeCoud have progressed and that made Sanders expendable.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina’s Steve Smith became the 35^th player in NFL history to reach the 10,000-yard receiving mark.

Smith got very reflective after Sunday’s loss to Atlanta as he talked about the milestone.

“It’s a lot of people, a lot of men and a lot of boys’ dream,’’ Smith said. “But there are few men who get the opportunity to live out their dream, so I’m fortunate enough. I’ve had the opportunity for about a decade to do it and it’s been enjoyable. I’ve had fun. I’ve also had some bonehead situations, but that’s the opportunity to live and so it’s pretty cool.’’

Smith then went on to thank just about every quarterback he ever has played with. He mentioned Chris Weinke, Rodney Peete, Jake Delhomme, Vinny Testaverde, Cam Newton, David Carr, Brian St. Pierre, Jimmy Clausen and Matt Moore.

Smith went on to mention a bunch of receivers he played with through the years.

“Isaac Byrd, Karl Hankton, Ricky Proehl, Muhsin Muhammad and Donald Hayes because when I first came here, they were the guys who took me under their wing and showed me how to play,’’ Smith said. “There were times I was annoying to them and I followed them and watched them.’’

The New Orleans Saints won’t be the only NFC South connection to Thursday night’s game at Lambeau Field.

The NFL just announced that 32 NFL alumni will take part in a pregame ceremony in which each will hold his team’s flag. Those players will form a chute onto the field with the AFC on one side and the NFC on the other. Green Bay Hall of Famer Bart Starr will walk through that gauntlet holding the Green Bay flag, followed by the Packers. A banner commemorating Green Bay’s Super Bowl XLV championship will be displayed.

The alumni representing the NFC South are Atlanta’s Steve Bartkowski, Carolina’s Muhsin Muhammad, New Orleans’ Deuce McAllister and Tampa Bay’s Mike Alstott.

In addition, the league announced that recording artist Jordin Sparks will sing the national anthem. She’s the daughter of Phillippi Sparks, a former cornerback for the Giants and Cowboys.

Time for a weekend trip into the NFC South mailbag.

Daniel in New Orleans asks if teams ever contact players leaving as free agents to say "We loved having you here, good luck," that kind of thing.’’

Pat Yasinskas: Excellent question, and Daniel’s note referred specifically to Scott Fujita, who left the Saints last offseason. Yes, this kind of thing happens a lot. In Fujita’s case, there was definitely a strong bond between him and the Saints. New Orleans had an interest in keeping him, but the Browns offered much more money than the Saints were willing to pay. The Saints publicly and privately thanked Fujita for his contributions, and warm feelings remain between the player and the organization. Two other prominent NFC South players come to mind with this question. Muhsin Muhammad left the Carolina Panthers for the Chicago Bears, and Warrick Dunn left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the Atlanta Falcons on very good terms. Both situations were similar to Fujita’s. Both players were liked very much by their former teams, but they got huge offers to go elsewhere. They left and, later in their careers, Muhammad returned to the Panthers and Dunn returned to the Bucs. That’s why it’s best not to burn bridges. On the flip side, there can be bitter endings. For instance, I don’t see Julius Peppers ever returning to Carolina.

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Ed in Cape Coral, Fla. asks if I’ve heard anything about the Glazer family, which owns the Buccaneers, being close to selling the Manchester United soccer team.

Pat Yasinskas: Rumors have been flying about this possibility for a long time. The Glazers repeatedly have said Manchester United is not for sale. I haven’t heard anything lately that would lead me to believe otherwise, but I’m not really plugged into the soccer world.

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John in Viera, Fla. asks if the Panthers have any serious interest in Kevin Kolb, Donovan McNabb, Vince Young or Carson Palmer.

Pat Yasinskas: I had a good conversation with Carolina general manager Marty Hurney on Friday. Like any executive, he’s not going to lay out any top-secret plans in public, and with a new staff just coming together, the labor uncertainty and the various scenarios in which the guys you mentioned could be available, I don’t think the Panthers have a firm plan yet. I think that’s still being formulated. But the one thing Hurney was clear on was that the Panthers have to do something at quarterback. He still has hope Jimmy Clausen can develop into a solid starter, but Hurney is very aware he has to have a viable alternative. I think any or all of the guys you mention will at least be considerations.

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Hank in Illinois asks if there is any chance of the Falcons moving up in the draft to take a defensive end.

Pat Yasinskas: It’s at least a possibility. General manager Thomas Dimitroff can be aggressive when the Falcons really see someone they want. They’re sitting at No. 27, and most early mock drafts have the top tier of defensive ends gone slightly before Atlanta’s pick, so moving up could make sense. But we’ve got more than two months before the draft, and the stock of some defensive ends will rise and fall. This also is a draft that’s considered very deep at defensive end, so there is a possibility the Falcons could sit still and get the guy they want. There also is the possibility they might go in a different direction with their first pick and get a defensive end later in the draft or through free agency.

We're opening up today's series of team-by-team mailbags with the Carolina Panthers.

Bob in Matthews, N.C., writes: What do think is the real reason the Panthers cannot run the ball this year? Jeff Otah and Keydrick Vincent not playing this year? The fact that Tony Fiammetta can't block nearly as well as the "Hoov"? Jeff Davidson's incompetence as OC? It really seems that both DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are just going through the motions this year.

Pat Yasinskas: Most of the above, although I don’t see reason to question the effort of Williams and Stewart. But I think the rest of your points are on target and self-explanatory. The one other big factor I’d include is the quarterback play. Matt Moore finally put up some numbers on Sunday and that was nice. But, up until then, the Panthers had been so ineffective in the passing game that it wasn’t even a threat for defenses. Much of the season, the Panthers have been looking at eight or nine defenders in the box.

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Haile in Durham, N.C., writes: Why haven’t the Panthers opened up with more three-receiver/one back sets and run the ball?

Pat Yasinskas: Great question and only John Fox and Jeff Davidson can give you the true answer. They’re not using a lot of three-receiver sets, even when they’re passing the ball. I think the youth at receiver is a factor and guys like David Gettis and Armanti Edwards aren’t of the Muhsin Muhammad prototype, where they are cut out to be good run blockers. Brandon LaFell has that size. But, I guess the bottom line is, you’re asking for creativity from the Carolina offense. When’s the last time we’ve seen that?

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Scott in New York writes: I'm thrilled the Panthers finally got a W on Sunday. However, week in and week out I'm troubled that a tandem cast as the best RB duo in the game has failed to get the running game in gear. Do you know if anyone has actually looked at the tape to see if one possible cause is Fiammetta doing a worse job than his predecessor? I know of the o-line's troubles, especially with Otah being out, but I can't help but think that Hoover's departure has made a difference.

Pat Yasinskas: Yes, people around the league that study such things will tell you that Fiammetta is not Brad Hoover. But they don’t put all the blame for the problems in Carolina’s running game on him. They point more toward the offensive line and the inability to develop a passing game.

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Lee in Cherryville, N.C., writes: I noticed you had Jon Beason in the Pro Bowl suggestions. I think James Anderson has made a very strong case of playing our best football at the LB position. Beason has absolutely no stats except tackles, whereas Anderson is 8th in the league in tackles, 1.5 sacks. 1 INT, 1 FF, and 2 recoveries. Trying to avoid the popularity contest that is the Pro Bowl I think Anderson is starting the year similarly to how Thomas Davis started last year. He's making plays at a position that isn't necessarily conducive to big plays.

Pat Yasinskas: I agree that James Anderson is having a very nice year and has been one of Carolina’s true bright spots. But, given the way Carolina’s season is playing out, the Panthers probably aren’t going to have a lot of representatives in the Pro Bowl. Beason is a name player, so I think he at least has a chance.

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Jeremy in Minneapolis writes: Serious question. What happens if the panthers go 11-5. ... that just screws everything up doesn't it?

Pat Yasinskas: Let’s just suppose the Panthers somehow run the table. I still think John Fox would be gone as coach. Even if he were to get offered a contract extension, I think he’d walk because he’d be a pretty hot commodity if he won 11 straight. He’s a guy who can get a head coaching job elsewhere no matter what, and I think everyone that matters in Carolina knows that Fox’s tenure there has run its course.

Just read a pretty interesting story in which Carolina wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett talks about his struggles.

A second-round draft pick in 2007, Jarrett has done very little in four seasons. He hit a low point last week when he was declared an inactive on game day. Jarrett admitted he’s frustrated, and he talked about how he struggled with paying attention to detail early in his career.

That made me think back to the fine book “The Lion in Autumn’’ by Frank Fitzpatrick that I read last summer. The book is about legendary Penn State coach Joe Paterno and it was written at the point Jarrett was coming out of high school in New Jersey, a state that usually is prime recruiting territory for Penn State.

Paterno said Jarrett might have been the best receiver prospect in the country. But Paterno said he couldn’t even attempt to recruit Jarrett because of poor academics. Jarrett ended up at the University of Southern California.

With the Trojans, Jarrett said he was allowed to be an athlete, but never was put in positions where he had to read defenses or do a lot of thinking.

The other things that came to mind as I read the Jarrett story was the story I wrote on Atlanta’s Roddy White on Friday. White said the turning point in his career came when veteran Joe Horn took him under his wing.

Although Jarrett said his relationship with Steve Smith is good, the two clashed when Jarrett was a rookie. Jarrett also played behind veteran Muhsin Muhammad the last couple of years.

Smith and Muhammad are many things, but I don’t know that either is the kind of guy that’s going to volunteer himself to be a mentor. Wide receivers are a strange breed and a lot of NFL players are protective of their own jobs. I think White simply was lucky to run into a guy like Horn, who was the exception to the rule.

Eric in Jackson, Miss., writes: Pat I love your blog. What are the chances the Saints trade a WR for a LB with the injury to Jonathan Casillas?

Pat Yasinskas: I think you almost certainly will see the Saints make some sort of move to get a linebacker. They might fill the need by signing someone who’s been released by another team. But, if they really want someone off another roster, they’ve got enough depth at wide receiver that they could spare one. Not sure who it would be, but they’ve got a bunch of receivers that other teams would like to have.

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Andy in Wilmington, N.C., writes: I realize I'm asking you to be a bit of a mind reader about one of the most guarded organizations in the NFL, but give it a shot: Do John Fox, Marty Hurney, and Jerry Richardson view this as a rebuilding year in Carolina? I ask because of the possibility of signing a receiver like T.J. Houshmanzadeh. Watching the Panthers in the preseason, their defense has easily outperformed expectations, and I'm hoping the run game comes back to life in the regular season (I see no reason it shouldn't). It seems the only big question mark, outside special teams, is the second receiver position. I feel like an improved passing game easily makes Carolina a postseason contender. I know they like to build from the ground up and don't sign flashy free agents, but if they thought Houshmandzadeh would help them win this year, would they sign him?

Pat Yasinskas: Tons of Carolina fans are asking about Houshmandzadeh, and I’ve got no indication right now that the Panthers are interested. Your points all make sense, and a proven No. 2 receiver like this could be just what the Panthers need. But the Panthers seem pretty committed to their youth movement. My best guess is, if they pursue Houshmandzadeh, they will only do it if the price is very low.

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Rob in Houston writes: If not Houshmanzadeh for the Panthers, what do you think are the chances of them signing Michael Clayton now that the Bucs have let him go?

Pat Yasinskas: The price tag might be cheaper for Clayton. Now, he hasn’t been as productive as Houshmandzadeh, but he could be a nice fit in Carolina’s offense. I’m not saying Clayton’s as good as Muhsin Muhammad was in his prime, but he reminds me of Muhammad in terms of size and blocking ability. But, again, I just don’t know if the Panthers will bend their rules on sticking with youth. We’ll see.

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Yasha in parts unknown writes: Just for the sake of completeness, the Saints also have K.C. Asiodu on the roster at LB. Most likely will play primarily special teams, but he is a LB. Thanks for all the great posts & articles.

Pat Yasinskas: Yep, you are correct. Asiodu is a linebacker, but I left him off the list because I don’t think he’s a real candidate to start. I think he’s a special-teams player.

Time for another edition of the NFC South mailbag. Kind of interesting that the first three questions all come from Texas. Could we be taking over the territory of “The Beast’’?

Brendan in Dallas writes: How do you feel about Darren Sharper coming off this knee surgery? Do you think that he'll be able to have the great season like he did last year or should we expect more of Malcolm Jenkins this season? I myself like how Jenkins' been doing this preseason so I wouldn't mind having a younger guy like Jenkins out there.

Pat Yasinskas: I am extremely interested to see what the Saints do about Sharper in the next few days. All indications are he’s not ready to contribute right now and the Saints will have to make a difficult decision. I think the likely scenario is they’ll place him on the physically-unable-to-perform list, hope he can heal up and bring him back as insurance for the second half of the season. But I also wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the Saints cutting Sharper or him deciding to retire. It’s been very clear for some time now that Jenkins will open the season as the starter at free safety. Jenkins is young and very talented. I don’t think it’s out of the question that he can put up numbers similar to what Sharper did last season.

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Victor in El Paso, Texas writes: Now that the Bucs have cut Derrick Ward do you think the Bucs will get another running back?

Pat Yasinskas: I would not totally rule out the Bucs picking up a running back when other teams make their cuts. The Bucs constantly monitor the waiver wire and are always looking to upgrade a roster that clearly still needs some upgrading. But I don’t think it’s an absolute necessity that the Bucs get a running back. They appear content to head into the season with Cadillac Williams and Kareem Huggins as their top two running backs. Clifton Smith might factor in as a situational player. Plus, fullback Earnest Graham has some history at tailback and can always move back over there.

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Robert in Dallas Texas writes: Keep up the great work! Two quick questions for you: Do you think the Bucs should make a move on a trade for Matt Leinart? Would he be an upgrade compared to Josh Johnson?

Pat Yasinskas: I’m not completely sold on Josh Johnson as a No. 2 quarterback yet. I think he’s a legitimate No. 3 with upside. I would like to see the Bucs add a backup with some legitimate NFL experience. But I’m not sure Leinart is the guy they should be looking at. First off, if Arizona’s trying to trade the guy they went through the offseason planning to start, that should raise some serious red flags. He’s a guy that was a high draft pick and has never done much in the NFL. We might be looking at another Heather Shuler or Ryan Leaf. I’d rather see the Bucs pick up some veteran with a little bit of starting experience that can come in, accept his role as No. 2 to Josh Freeman and fit well in the locker room. If the Saints, who may carry only two quarterbacks, decide to cut Patrick Ramsey, that's a guy I think the Bucs should be all over.

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Harris in Weaverville, N.C. writes: I am a hard-core Panthers fan. However, I can't say that I keep up with every team in the NFL enough to know the answer to this question: Are there any teams in the NFL that are so loaded with wide receivers that there will be some decent pickings when the final cuts are due on Saturday? What are the chances that the Panthers will make a WR move from the waivers?

Pat Yasinskas: You can bet that Marty Hurney and his staff will be watching to see what wide receivers get cut by other teams by Saturday afternoon’s deadline. Given the fact the Panthers don’t have a lot of depth at receiver, I think a move is entirely possible. Just to throw a couple of names out there from other NFC South teams that might be available -- Tampa Bay’s Michael Clayton and New Orleans’ Adrian Arrington. Yes, Clayton largely has been a bust in Tampa Bay, but he could fit better in Carolina’s system. He is a good run blocker and might be a scaled-down version of Muhsin Muhammad. Arrington’s a guy who’s been held back by injuries and a very deep receiving corps in New Orleans, but he’s got plenty of upside.

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Greg in Tampa writes: Can you explain to us Bucs fans why the NFL waited a whole YEAR to suspend Aqib Talib? One would think the league would act when the courts do.

Pat Yasinskas: A good question and something I’ve also wondered about. More than anything, I think this one got caught up in red tape. It took some time for the legal system to play out and that’s why the NFL didn’t take action last year. But couldn’t this suspension have been determined much earlier this year? You would think so. But I’m guessing Talib’s file was a little lower on Roger Goodell’s desk than Ben Roethlisberger’s. Goodell has the ultimate say on all suspensions and it sometimes takes some time for that to happen. But it’s not like the Bucs didn’t see this one coming. They pretty much knew from the end of last season that they’d be opening the season without Talib.

Oscar in Charlotte writes: About a month ago I asked you if the Panthers might make a deal with Terrell Owens after Muhsin Muhammad's retirement. It seems like every time there's talk about TO, the Panthers keep coming up as "a good landing spot" for him. So I have to ask again ... do you think the Panthers will try to make a deal with him?

Pat Yasinskas: The question keeps coming and I keep answering it the same way. There is absolutely no chance of Owens landing with the Panthers. First off, they’re in a youth movement. If they wanted an older receiver, they would have kept Muhammad. His initial decision was to keep playing, but his contract was up and the Panthers had no interest in re-signing him. Second, and this is much more significant, owner Jerry Richardson has a long history of avoiding guys with baggage and we all know Owens carries some of that. Coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney are very much on board with that philosophy. They went against their instincts a few years ago and signed Keyshawn Johnson. He came with much less baggage than Owens and that still didn’t work out because it brought issues into the locker room.

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Chad in Las Vegas writes: Do you really agree with Jeff Duncan that Gregg Williams can be a head coach in the NFL again? I am a huge Saints fan and appreciate what GW has done but look at his record. He is a really good defensive coach, but really more of an opportunistic defense coach. His offense in Buffalo was horrible under him and he really didn't manage that team well. I think GW is destined to be a GREAT D coordinator but nothing more.

Pat Yasinskas: If the Saints have another good year defensively, I think Williams will be on the radar for some jobs. After a couple tough years in Washington and Jacksonville, he revived his reputation last year in New Orleans. Again, he needs another strong season, but I think that will be enough to make him a candidate. You’re right about his tenure in Buffalo. But I’m sure Williams learned some valuable lessons in that time. Remember, Bill Belichick was a failure in Cleveland. But he learned from his mistakes and has had a great run in New England.

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John in Charlotte writes: A lot of people have named their top 5 running backs lately. The Panther's duo has consistently been absent. Is it too hard to imagine that if Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams were the feature back on separate teams that they would each be on those lists?

Pat Yasinskas: Not hard at all to imagine that. Williams and Stewart both are top-notch backs. So what if they don’t get the individual hype? I don’t think that bothers either one of them. They get along well and they realize they complement one another. There are enough carries to keep both happy. At a time where it’s tough for one running back to carry the load for an entire season, I think the Panthers have a great luxury –- a backfield duo that’s as good as any in the league.

The good news for the New Orleans Saints is they are defending Super Bowl champions. The bad news is that’s not a great spot to be in in the NFC South.

The 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who won the Super Bowl, and the 2003 Carolina Panthers, who lost it, didn’t even make the playoffs the following year. Since the division came into existence in 2002, there has been no such thing as a dynasty in the NFC South. No team has won the division crown in back-to-back seasons.

The Saints, who already have re-written history, will have to do it again if they want to stay on top. But the Atlanta Falcons might not be far behind, the Panthers have enough talent to be dangerous and the Buccaneers almost have to be better than last season.

We’ll find out soon enough if anyone can challenge the Saints. The test begins next week when all four NFC South teams report to training camp.

FOUR BIG QUESTIONS

Falcons: What does John Abraham have left?

For the past couple of years, the 32-year-old defensive end has been one of those guys who doesn’t practice all the time because the Falcons go out of their way to keep him healthy and fresh. That plan isn’t likely to change this season, but the Falcons will be keeping a very close eye on Abraham in camp.

His sack total dipped from 16.5 in 2008 to 5.5 last season. The obvious question is if Abraham is on the last legs of his career. Despite the statistical evidence, the Falcons believe there’s something left. After closely watching film of Abraham from last season, the coaches firmly believe Abraham can get back to double-digit sacks. Part of their thinking is he’ll benefit from improved play from the interior of the defensive line and that Kroy Biermann and Lawrence Sidbury are ready to generate pressure from the other side. Recent history has shown the Falcons are willing to make deals late in the preseason (trading for cornerbacks Domonique Foxworth and Tye Hill) if they feel they have a weakness. But they’re hoping Abraham shows enough in camp to convince them the pass rush will be adequate.

Panthers: What must Matt Moore do to win the starting quarterback job?

A lot of people believe this training camp will be highlighted by a battle between Moore and rookie Jimmy Clausen. That’s not really the case -- or at least not how Carolina’s brass views the situation. The truth is the Panthers are going to camp with every intention of Moore being the starter. He earned that much by playing well at the end of last season.

Coach John Fox isn’t about to open the season with a rookie starting at quarterback. He could turn to Clausen later in the season if things aren’t going well. But the immediate starting job is Moore’s, and the only way he can lose it is to have a disastrous training camp and preseason.

Saints: Are the Saints ready for a return to the “real’’ world?

Rightfully so, the Saints spent a lot of time this offseason celebrating their first Super Bowl title. Great for them and great for their fans. But all that’s about to end. Coach Sean Payton runs what I think is easily the toughest camp in the NFC South, and I don’t anticipate that changing. If anything, camp might be tougher this year.

Payton is an excellent motivator and he’s well aware the Saints now are the jewel on the schedule of every opposing team. The track record of Super Bowl champions in the following season hasn’t been all that impressive in recent years. Payton knows that, and you can bet that message is going to be conveyed to his team. A big part of the reason the Saints won the Super Bowl last season is because they had such a tough and productive camp.

Buccaneers: Who are the starting wide receivers?

The Bucs truly don’t know the answer to that question right now and that’s not a bad thing. The plan is to throw all the receivers out there in camp, let them compete and see who rises up. A lot of fans were frustrated and puzzled when the Bucs let Antonio Bryant walk in free agency, leaving the team without a clear-cut No. 1 receiver. But the Bucs believe they’re better off without Bryant, who wasn’t all that productive last season and didn’t endear himself to the front office or coaching staff when he made public comments about the coaches and quarterback Josh Freeman that were far from flattering.

The Bucs used early draft picks on Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams. It’s likely at least one of them will start right away. Veterans Reggie Brown, Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall will compete for the other job. If both rookies look good in camp, it’s possible they could be the starters because there isn’t much upside with Brown, Clayton or Stovall. Second-year pro Sammie Stroughter also is in the mix. But, ideally, the Bucs would like to use him as the slot receiver.

HOTTEST SEATS

Falcons: Brian VanGorder. The defensive coordinator has done a nice job of working with the talent he’s had the past two seasons. The Falcons haven’t always had the talent to play the kind of defense coach Mike Smith and Van Gorder want and they’ve gotten by with patchwork. But those days are over. Last year’s top picks, defensive tackle Peria Jerry and safety William Moore, return after missing almost all their rookie seasons with injuries and the Falcons used their top two picks this year on linebacker Sean Weatherspoon and defensive tackle Corey Peters. They also spent a fortune signing cornerback Dunta Robinson. Although questions remain about the pass rush, the Falcons have the talent to play their scheme. That means the defense must take a big step forward.

Panthers: Dwayne Jarrett. A former second-round pick, Jarrett has not had much of an impact. With Muhsin Muhammad retired and Steve Smith expected to miss most of training camp with a broken arm, Jarrett is going to get a very long look in training camp. In a best-case scenario, Jarrett finally reaches his potential and earns the starting wide receiver job across from Smith. For that to happen, Jarrett must show an attention to detail and consistency; both have been lacking from his game. The Panthers drafted Brandon LaFell and Armanti Edwards early because they’re not sure if Jarrett ever will blossom.

Saints: Darren Sharper. The safety had a brilliant 2009 season. Sharper instantly became a fan favorite, but his lock on the starting job at free safety isn’t nearly as secure as many people think. Sharper is 34 and coming off knee surgery. We don’t even know if he physically will be able to do much during training camp. The Saints have moved Malcolm Jenkins, a first-round pick a year ago, from cornerback to safety. A lot of fans view Sharper as the Drew Brees of the defense, but I’m not so sure the coaching staff ever has seen it that way, and the Saints didn’t break the bank to re-sign Sharper in the offseason. If he’s 100 percent healthy, Sharper could stay in the starting lineup. Anything less and the Saints won’t hesitate to go with Jenkins.

Buccaneers: Ryan Sims. He was a starter with Chris Hovan at defensive tackle the past few years. The Bucs got rid of Hovan as soon as they could after last season. With the team using its top two picks on defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price, Sims can’t be feeling too secure. With Roy Miller also in the mix and the Bucs in a full-blown youth movement, Sims needs a strong camp just to secure a roster spot.

SECRET WEAPON

Under-the-radar player to keep an eye out for in camp: Clifton Smith, return man/running back, Buccaneers. It may seem like a stretch to call a guy who has been to a Pro Bowl an under-the-radar player, but Smith fits the profile. After missing most of the second half of last season with concussion problems, Smith has sort of been forgotten. That might be a mistake. Smith established himself as a top-notch return man when he made the Pro Bowl in his rookie season two years ago and helped ease the colossal mistake in which the Bucs drafted Dexter Jackson in the second round. When the new coaching staff took over last season, there was some talk about getting Smith more involved on offense. That got derailed by his injuries, but the plan could get back on track this year. Cadillac Williams is the main running back in Tampa Bay, but you could start to see Smith get some action as a situational player. With his speed, he could be an explosive receiver out of the backfield and also might be able to handle a few carries a game.

BEST POSITION BATTLE

It’s not an offensive skill position, so it won’t be flashy. But the best position battle in the NFC South will be sorted out in Spartanburg, S.C., as the Carolina Panthers try to figure what to do with their linebackers. This was supposed to be a spot with enormous strength, but an offseason knee injury to Thomas Davis has turned this into a huge question. Davis probably will miss the entire season, throwing the linebacker corps into a state of uncertainty.

The only thing that’s certain is that Jon Beason remains one of the best linebackers in the league and the unquestioned leader of this defense. But the Panthers aren’t even sure where Beason will line up. He has been fantastic in the middle, but he may move to Davis’ spot on the weak side. In what essentially amounts to a game of musical chairs, the Panthers are looking at four linebackers and trying to figure out the strongest starting trio. One reason they’re considering moving Beason is because they believe Dan Connor can be solid in the middle. He’ll get a chance to prove that in camp.

But the Panthers also will be keeping a close eye on outside linebackers Jamar Williams and James Anderson. If they both rise up, Beason could remain in the middle. If Connor rises up and the Panthers aren’t comfortable with Williams and Anderson as their starters on the outside, they won’t hesitate to move Beason.

The Carolina Panthers just announced they have signed third-round draft pick Brandon LaFell to a contract.

A wide receiver from LSU, LaFell will have a chance to compete for the starting job opposite Steve Smith in training camp. LaFell and fellow rookie Armanti Edwards will join a group of young receivers who will get plenty of work in camp. With Smith expected to miss much of camp with a broken arm, LaFell and Edwards could be candidates to compete with Dwayne Jarrett for the starting job that came open when the Panthers elected not to re-sign Muhsin Muhammad.

Quarterback Jimmy Clausen, a second-round pick, is Carolina’s only remaining unsigned rookie.

Notable players: RB Stephen Davis, QB Jake Delhomme, WR Steve Smith, WR Muhsin Muhammad, DE Julius Peppers, DT Kris Jenkins, LB Dan Morgan.

Analysis: When owner Jerry Richardson talked about how the life had been drained from his franchise during a disastrous 1-15 season in 2001 under coach George Seifert, he couldn’t have expected how dramatic the turnaround would be. Nobody saw the Panthers going to the Super Bowl within two years, but that’s exactly what happened with first-time head coach John Fox.

In 2002, Fox’s team showed some promise, but there was no real reason to think the Panthers were ready for an incredible run. They had the makings of a very good defensive line, but nobody really knew how much Davis had left when the Panthers brought him in and nobody had a clue what Delhomme, who had spent his career on the bench in New Orleans, might bring.

Rodney Peete opened the season as the starting quarterback and that lasted all of two quarters before Delhomme came on to rally the Panthers and take over the job. With Davis carrying the offense and the defensive line dominating, Delhomme continued to show a knack for leading comebacks.

The Panthers caught lightning in a bottle and also rode the emotion of preseason news that linebackers coach and former team captain Sam Mills and starting linebacker Mark Fields each had cancer. Carolina finished the regular season 11-5 and won its first NFC South championship.

A playoff victory at home against Dallas wasn’t a big surprise, but the Panthers stunned just about everyone by going on the road and winning at St. Louis (in double overtime) and completely dominating the Eagles on a frigid night in Philadelphia.

That put the Panthers into the Super Bowl against New England. A touchdown pass to Ricky Proehl with one minute, eight seconds remaining tied the score. But Carolina’s chances of pulling the upset faded as John Kasay followed up by kicking the ball out of bounds to give New England good field position. The Patriots kicked the game-winning field goal with four seconds remaining.

Most impressive win: It’s tough to top the image of Steve Smith scoring a touchdown on the first play of the second overtime in St. Louis, but players and coaches will tell you the key moment of the season came in Week 2 at Tampa against the defending Super Bowl champions. The Bucs scored a late touchdown and needed only to kick the extra point to win the game. The Panthers blocked the kick, forced overtime and won 12-9.

Research room: This team was known as the “Cardiac Cats." The reason was simple. The Panthers won seven games in the last two minutes or in overtime.

Honorable mention

1996: In only the second year of the franchise’s existence, coach Dom Capers, quarterback Kerry Collins and a great defense took the Panthers all the way to the NFC Championship Game in Green Bay. A home playoff victory against Dallas provided a truly monumental moment for an expansion team and the city of Charlotte.

2005: Fox’s 2004 team underachieved, but the 2005 team overachieved more than any in franchise history. Give the credit to Smith for carrying the Panthers all the way to the NFC Championship Game in Seattle. Injuries to the running backs kept the Panthers from running like Fox wanted to, but Smith and Delhomme had a special chemistry that year.

2008: A 12-4 record, an NFC South crown and a first-round bye added up to absolutely nothing. In what easily is the most disappointing game in franchise history, Arizona came into Bank of America Stadium and routed the Panthers 33-13. Starting with that game, the normally reliable Delhomme began turning the ball over so frequently that he played his way out of Charlotte.

Yes, it’s true. Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith, who has a flare for the unusual, suffered a broken arm while playing flag football over the weekend. Here’s the story I just sent to our news side:


Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith suffered a broken left arm playing flag football, the team said Monday. Smith underwent surgery Sunday night and isn’t expected to be ready for the start of training camp.

“Steve has talked to me and he feels terrible about it,’’ general manager Marty Hurney said. “Now, his focus is on the rehabilitating process and getting back as quickly as he can.’’

The team said it’s uncertain when Smith will be fully healthy.

Smith, 31, suffered a broken left forearm late last season and missed the final game. All indications are that injury was fully healed. The Panthers finished their offseason workouts last week and Smith began his camp Thursday. Smith has been Carolina’s top receiver through much of his career. With Muhsin Muhammad’s recent retirement, Smith is Carolina’s only established receiver.

The Panthers are hoping Dwayne Jarrett can emerge this season, but they also used early draft picks on receivers Brandon LaFell and Armanti Edwards.