After three straight weeks of fresh cooking and culinary delights abound, at some point you just have to clean out the fridge. The Panthers have quite the smorgasbord in store for you, with a decadent mixture of cold and hot dishes that you either need to eat or throw away. We all know how Rivera and Gettleman like to keep a clean fridge no matter how questionable the contents, so it is fitting that the Panthers will travel to Heinz field this week, where you can eat what you like and just cover the rest in ketchup (that's Catsup for any of you Pittsburgh people reading, and I'm assuming Ketchoup for our British readership).
Weekly Specials
Kelvin Benjamin - The last square of mama's lasagna
It is a widely known fact that lasagna is even tastier the next day. The flavors begin to meld, and it gets a beautiful thick consistency to it making it a popular leftover day find. So it is as well with Cam Newton and Kelvin Benjamin, who are combining their ridiculous natural cooking talent to make the best damn leftovers you've seen since Jake fed Smitty his first Bojangles biscuit. Benjamin continues to impress fans and silence the doubters, adding a new layer to his game each week. Last week, he proved he can make the tough catches in traffic, a skill left lacking by the departure of renowned boxing enthusiast, Steve Smith Sr.
Melvin White - The single serving of Pork Lo-Mein
While your leftover General Antoine Cason's Chicken is starting to resemble something the dog won't even eat, you're pleased to find that your pork lo mein has not yet been consumed by a desperate and rushed breakfast diner. Proving that solid corners don't have to come from the draft, Melvin White has been a rock at a shaky position for the Panthers this preseason. PFF agrees...
Melvin White a top CB in the preseason according to PFF https://t.co/RPD88W879V
— Bobby Rosinski (@BobbyRosinski) August 26, 2014
Hot Plates
Joe Webb - The last remaining slice of pizza
You just don't understand. Last time you opened the box, there were FOUR slices in there, now there is just the one. Being the connoisseur d' leftoveur that you are, you do the right thing and re-heat it in the oven instead of turning it into rubber mush in the microwave. Your patience pays off, as your prized slice is crispy, the cheese is melty, and the meat ontop still tastes like meat. Webb is the only QB on the roster right now that is both fully healthy, and not nervously pacing a hospital waiting room. He has looked quite good in the preseason, with a better than average chance to make the 53 man roster.
#Panthers Rivera said team was talking about keeping Joe Webb as third QB before Newton's injury.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 26, 2014
Bene Benwikere - The grande burrito you couldn't finish from your favorite tex-mex place
Your wife questioned you for ordering it in the first place... "You're ordering what?!?" she said. The same goes with Bene Benwikere, who's initial selection was bemoaned by Panther fans with a collective "Who?!?" when he was taken in the 5th round of this years draft in a trade up scenario. But you, like Gettleman, knew what you wanted, and were willing to risk indigestion in pursuit of getting a flavorful dish at a good price. Bene has been a pleasant surprise in the secondary this preseason. The San Jose State product has been showing a nose for the football and better than expected coverage skills, which will potentially lead to a starting role as the nickel corner. PFF has him ranked as the best corner in the third preseason week, a pretty darn good achievement for a rookie.
@BlackBlueReview Bene was the highest graded Panther in week 3 according to PFF
— Steven Feezor (@StevenFeezor) August 26, 2014
Cold Salads
Byron Bell and Chris Scott - The Bologna and Cheese sandwich you didn't eat at work because you went out.
The road to a crappy lunch is paved by the good intentions of saving money. When you opened the fridge that day and stared down at the limp brown paper bag containing your very uninspired sandwich, you just couldn't bear to view it as the fuel you needed for your long term road to 5pm. Nothing against bologna of course, you don't hate it, it just doesn't inspire you. Sometimes you need to spend a little money to get the fresh lunch you need to get you through the day, and likewise, the Panthers need to spend some cap space on some real blocking to keep Cam Newton on his feet. Your productivity, and Cam's health, depend on it.
Antoine Cason - The slice of tomato that still adorns the aforementioned sandwich
Buying a tomato at the grocery store is maddening isn't it? Sometimes you get one with a nice flavor, sometimes you get one that tastes like biting into a sponge. Of course there is no way to tell by looking at it, you just have to assume it is going to be good and move on with your purchase. Antoine Cason has been Cold, Hot, and Cold again, which is frustrating the heck out of Panther fans and coaches. After turning in a brilliant performance against the Chiefs, he once again looked lost against New England. I expect that Rivera has had enough, and is not content to just keep guessing about what tomato he is buying. We'll see plenty of Cason at the farmer's market on Thursday.
Freezer Burned
Josh Norman - It's Peanut Butter Jelly time! Let me just get out the Jell... dammit! Who ate all the strawberry?!
Like a peanut butter jelly sandwich made out of that Welch's grape jelly that has seen at least five jars of Smucker's strawberry preserves come through your fridge, it will never be as good as you want it to be. It's a shame really, it comes in a nice big jar, is made the same way, and somehow is a brilliant addition to your crock pot of cocktail meatballs, but it just can't shake the fact it is grape and not strawberry.
Robert Lester - Three week old pasta salad that smells funny, looks hairy, and will probably be thrown out.
I'm not going to re-hash everything I've said about Lester over the past couple of weeks, because it is all still true. I'm just going to leave this here, and show that his shelf-life may have been over-estimated.
Panthers have been working Charles Godfrey some at his old spot -- safety. He's still primarily just the nickel.
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) August 26, 2014
Tater's Game-day Food of the Week
Similar to last week, the Panthers are away, and you might want something quick and delicious to eat and share with friends. Ordering a pizza is the easy solution, but why not expend a little more effort and impress everyone by making your own in finger food form? This crowd pleaser is filling and delicious, and is unique enough that everyone will be impressed by your culinary prowess.
Oven Baked Pizza Balls
This is not a recipe of my own creation or modification. I found it online, and feel that the original poster deserves the clicks you all will generate!
I have however made these, and they are nothing short of succulent and great food for the soul. You definitely want a good marinara sauce on hand for dipping. I also like to add a bit of minced garlic, fresh basil, and fresh grated Parmesan cheese to each ball.
Also, make sure you grease the muffin pan very very well or you will be faced with a very difficult cleanup task!
That's it Panther fans. Enjoy the cheesy goodness of the pizza balls, and let's hope for a better performance this week against the Steelers. GO PANTHERS!