Greg Bailey NewsChannel 36 Sports Director

The Panthers aren't moping in their locker room anymore. Uncertain looks and blank stares have been replaced by easy smiles, and the sound of laughter has returned.

Jon Beason's return to practice changes that much for this team. Jon Beason's return changes everything for the season opener against Philadelphia.

In little more than two years Beason has established himself as the leader of Carolina's defense. He might be the physical leader of the entire team.

Here's what I mean by "physical leader." In a gladiator sport every team needs an ultimate warrior. Someone who's capable of striking a blow that buckles the other team. Today the Panthers belief was confirmed instead of shaken -- Jon Beason is that guy for us and he really can deliver when medical science says he can't.

Linebacker Thomas Davis told me point blank: "Put me on the list of people who didn't think he could make it back for the season opener." Davis should know. He's dealt with the same injury, and his road back was longer than Beason's. No knock on Davis. He's tough as nails and he's worked to get back, too.

Make no mistake here, either. Jon Beason loves the big stage. He lingers when the cameras are on and he loves the fact that everyone wondered if he could really do it. Deep down he always knew and his teammates knew it, too.

To shake that belief could have been disastrous. In pro sports if you don't deliver, you can't lead. No one follows players who are always hurt. Turn your back one time when the chips are down and no one ever forgets. Jon Beason won't do that. He can't. And that gives the Panthers exactly what they need heading into the season opener.

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