I've got a random mix of Paw Prints today, starting with another blurb from an article I've referenced once I already. If you need some encouragement to feel good about 2010 then consider this:

One coach, one player won't cripple Panthers | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
Of the 65 players they used this year (12 on IR and the 53-man roster), 57 of them are under contract next year. That includes the best tandem of running backs in the league. That includes 80 percent of an excellent offensive line, which suddenly seems to have depth again. That includes a guy named Steve Smith who can make plays with anyone.

In a reach back to week 16, recently extended LB Na'il Diggs proves to be a master of the understatement:

Carolina Panthers linebacker Na'il Diggs leaves mark on Giants Stadium
"After they were throwing ice and all of that stuff at us last year, it was nice to send them home early," said Diggs. "To have their team not play as well as they did in the final game of the stadium, I'm sure it was probably a little embarrassing from every angle."

More choice prints after the jump...

Here's Jon Beason talking about his Pro Bowl snub, which ends with a classic statement:

Pro Bowl Snub - JonBeason Blog post - jon, beason, carolina panthers, sport, blog, official website
So hats off to all of the players who made it and just know that it fueled the fire for next year. This won’t be the last time you hear about Jon Beason being snubbed for the Pro Bowl. Because based on my play next year, they’ll still be talking about it.

So he is essentially saying that after next season people will be wondering how in the world he got snubbed this year. Love it!

Panthers get mixed reviews - Panthers - NewsObserver.com
Quantcast Looking ahead: How can Moore not go to training camp as the projected starter? He's a restricted free agent, but the Panthers won't let him get away. Delhomme likely comes to camp either as the backup or with a chance to compete for the job. It'll be interesting to see whether the Panthers draft a quarterback to develop for the future.

I'm still thinking if the Panthers draft a QB it will be a late rounder. My latest thinking is I hope the Panthers stay pat with their picks and just go with the best player available with their early picks. This is a deep team with few real weaknesses...I didn't think it was mentioned in an earlier post that the Panthers also signed a center to compete in camp for a back-up spot.

NFL Notebook: Panthers sign Justice, former Deacons center
Carolina signed four players yesterday, including Steve Justice, a former Wake Forest center, and Dexter Jackson, a former Appalachian State receiver.

Back to Beason, the guy just keeps breaking records, his own that is

Minutes: Record-breaking Beason
Beason's three seasons as a Panther have witnessed the three top tackle tallies in franchise annals -- 160 in 2007, 159 in 2008 and 169 this year. The next-best figure in history is by linebacker Micheal Barrow, who, like Beason, is a University of Miami product.

Panthers were getting very defensive:

Minutes: Jarrett finally hits paydirt
Carolina's defense gave up just 26 points in the last three games of the season and 62 in the last six. Only once in that span did they permit more than one offensive touchdown -- in Week 14 against New England. (In Week 12, one of the Jets' two touchdowns came via a Darrelle Revis interception return) ...

We've discussed this a lot but its worth repeating. The Panther defense has a chance to special nect season, whether Peppers stays or leaves.

Update:

If you are into fantasy games D-Ranged has set up a Playoff Challenge game on NFL.com for CSR members to compete, unless your scared!. Count me in!

The league name is PanthersCuNxtYr

Password: CSR