Greg Bailey NewsChannel 36 Sports Director

The two things I heard over and over as I called around the NFL asking what we're all asking today, "Why?"

1. Are you serious?
2. Mr. Richardson has a plan. He always has a plan.

I've been doing this (covering the NFL) for 15 years, and the resignations of Jon and Mark Richardson rank with my all time stunners. I can't wait to see how this all plays out.

Things I'd Like to See from the Panthers

The fourth preseason game mean we won't see the starters much (in some cases not at all) but it never hurts to ask.

1. The Real Chris Gamble - I bet we get this and more on Thursday. It's a great sign for everyone who loves the Panthers that Gamble volunteered to play vs. the Steelers on a night when established starters rarely play. So upset with his own performance that he wants to get it right, Gamble stands as a sterling example of how to handle adversity. He's a borderline great player, and I want to see that Thursday.

2. The Real Chris Harris - Another one of the really good guys, but what happened to the man who hit everything? Where did he hide the guy who used to storm into opposing backfields and blow up pulling guards who outweighed him by 100 pounds? Harris needs to find his old, impact self for Carolina to thrive.

3. More of Mike Goodson - Just because he's so much fun to watch. Anybody notice that it takes about 1 stride of daylight from Goodson to get fans buzzing? Listen on Thursday. If the fans see any opening at all and Goodson has the ball, the crowd sizzles in anticipation. That's quite a standard just three preseason games into your NFL career.

4. Rookie fullback Tony Fiammetta - What was all the fuss about? He looked great to me early in camp; maybe so good that the Panthers are trying to "hide" him so they can cut him and keep him on the practice squad.

5. Dwayne Jarrett - Anybody? How long will we have to wait for a play that matters from the former 2nd round pick?

6. More from the 2nd team Offensive line - The reality of life in the NFL says your backups have to play. Carolina's 2nd unit needs to play better.

7. Decori Birmingham - The man can play. Overshadowed by Goodson's flash, the 26 year old from Atlanta, Texas knows how to find the end zone. There are worse traits to have in the NFL.

8. Newcomer Louis Leonard - Show us you've got something, big man. Backups in Cleveland aren't usually run-stuffing heroes on contending teams, but the Panthers are closing in on desperation.

9. The Top Cats -The NewsChannel 36 sports team likes our Top Cats. Judging from the Kickoff Luncheon we'll see lots of new faces.

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