The NFL's all-star game, the Pro Bowl, will take place this weekend in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Carolina Panthers will have more Pro Bowlers (three) than they did wins (two).
Chicago's Lance Briggs has withdrawn, giving linebacker Jon Beason his spot, and a third consecutive trip to the game. Beason is a middle linebacker by trade but spent a lot of time playing outside this season because Thomas Davis was hurt.
Beason joins left tackle Jordan Gross, considered one of the league's best, and center Ryan Kalil. The Panthers' offensive line looked spotty early in the year but that was partly due to interchanging lineups that injuries had forced on the team. Their play, and with it the running game, improved greatly later in the year; third-string back Mike Goodson reeled off three consecutive 100-yard rushing efforts at one point.
"Thanks for all the congrats about the pro bowl," Beason wrote via Twitter. "I appreciate you all. Things always work themselves out when u keep the faith."
In other news, GM Marty Hurney has made it clear that fixing the quarterback position is the Panthers' top priority this offseason. He did not specify whether that meant drafting another passer or bringing in a veteran to compete with Clausen. Hurney wouldn't rule out the Panthers drafting a quarterback with their first pick - keep in mind, trading down is a possibility. The team has also begun looking into the background of Auburn DT Nick Fairley, according to Darin Gantt and Joseph Person, the two main reporters for the team.
Chicago's Lance Briggs has withdrawn, giving linebacker Jon Beason his spot, and a third consecutive trip to the game. Beason is a middle linebacker by trade but spent a lot of time playing outside this season because Thomas Davis was hurt.
Beason joins left tackle Jordan Gross, considered one of the league's best, and center Ryan Kalil. The Panthers' offensive line looked spotty early in the year but that was partly due to interchanging lineups that injuries had forced on the team. Their play, and with it the running game, improved greatly later in the year; third-string back Mike Goodson reeled off three consecutive 100-yard rushing efforts at one point.
"Thanks for all the congrats about the pro bowl," Beason wrote via Twitter. "I appreciate you all. Things always work themselves out when u keep the faith."
In other news, GM Marty Hurney has made it clear that fixing the quarterback position is the Panthers' top priority this offseason. He did not specify whether that meant drafting another passer or bringing in a veteran to compete with Clausen. Hurney wouldn't rule out the Panthers drafting a quarterback with their first pick - keep in mind, trading down is a possibility. The team has also begun looking into the background of Auburn DT Nick Fairley, according to Darin Gantt and Joseph Person, the two main reporters for the team.
