Hey everyone!

   First off, sorry I haven't updated the blog as much as I would have liked this week.

   It's been extremely busy this week both at work and home (where my wife and I sent our baby off to kindergarten this week). But I'm overjoyed because I just tonight put the final touches on the copy for our upcoming Carolina Panthers "2007 Season Preview" section which will be distributed in the Gaston Gazette soon. You can also read all of the stories online in the next couple of days.

   I'll be posting a number of the season preview stories here online in the next 24 hours and they include Q and A sessions with both of Carolina's coordinators, a story on Jake Delhomme heading into the season with David Carr waiting in the wings, two breakout players to watch for in 2007 and game-by-game breakdowns.

   *As for today's news, if Steve Smith's comments (and his tone of voice) don't get Panthers fans excited about this offense going into the season, then nothing will. After talking with Smith, he's almost giddy about what new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson has in store for the Rams. If you haven't read it yet, check out the story entitled: "Smith geeked up about game plan..." It sounds to me like Smith will be a HUGE part of the offense (of course we knew that) -- but perhaps even more so than in the past. (After all, I can't imagine him being excited about the offense if he isn't a big part of the plans).

   *Smith was pretty chatty on Thursday, so I've also included for our online viewers a Q and A with him down below in the "player profile" section at the bottom of the main Carolina Growl page. In the interview, he talks about his relationship with Keyshawn Johnson, being named team captain and offers some more thoughts on the offense.

   *If you're getting pumped about the start of the football season (like I am) and you're eager to get into more of the nuts and bolts, we'll be doing that for you in the next few days. You can get a head start on catching up with the Rams by checking out our "Rams Scouting Report." That should get you an overview as to where Marc Bulger and Co. are headed going into the season. We'll have more info on the Rams posted on Saturday as part of our award-winning Sunday GAMEDAY section. 

   *Along with all of the other stuff, I will also have a story on Keary Colbert and his climb from afterthought (the inactive list) to starter once again.

   So we'll have dozens of stories for you over the next few days. Please check back again with us often and we'll get you ready for the game. This is a great time of the year and we hope you enjoy our Panthers coverage. Thanks!