You need to score points to win games. Points will be an area in which the Chiefs will sorely lack this season.

Panthers outlast Colts, 23-20
After disappointing campaigns in 2006 and 2007, the Carolina Panthers were hell bent on returning to the two things that have made head coach John Fox successful…rushing the football successfully and making big plays on defense. In a 23-20 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts Saturday at Bank of America Stadium, they certainly appear to be on that track.

Carter’s injury further depletes Panthers at WR (AP)
With Steve Smith suspended for the first two games, D.J. Hackett still out with a sore toe and Ryne Robinson recovering from a knee injury, the Carolina Panthers couldn’t afford to lose another receiver. They did anyway Monday, learning that Jason Carter will miss the rest of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Smith’s punch leaves Hackett likely Week 1 starter (AP)
After four injury-filled seasons as part of a crowded group of receivers in Seattle, D.J. Hackett came to Carolina with the promise of more playing time. One training-camp punch likely left Hackett the Panthers‘ opening-day starter — if he can stay healthy. Steve Smith’s attack of cornerback Ken Lucas in practice last week changed the dynamic of camp.

Seward making most of backup role with Panthers (AP)
When Adam Seward stepped out of his Jeep with the monster tires to report to Carolina Panthers training camp last month, he sported a thick beard and long hair wrapped in a ponytail just above his forehead. After an emotional offseason that saw him wooed by New England, re-signed by Carolina and thrown into a fierce competition after the Panthers drafted another linebacker, Seward decided he was…

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JEFF SINER - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com The Panthers suffered their first prominent season-ending injury of the preseason when tests showed that promising wide receiver Jason Carter suffered a torn anterior …

Carolina Panthers preview: Fox under pressure

Carolina Panthers coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney eliminated any doubt they’re under intense pressure to win now when they traded on draft day, swapping next year’s first-round pick to get …

Panthers dominate Redskins 47-3; Taylor injured (AP)

With Jason Taylor limping off the field with a knee injury, the defense disintegrating without him and the offense almost as bad, the Washington Redskins face many unpleasant questions after an ugly preseason showing Saturday. For the Carolina Panthers, the biggest concern was how to get their two electric running backs enough carries.

Smith gets two-game suspension
Panthers head coach John Fox levied a two-game suspension on starting WR and former team captain Steve Smith for the attack that occurred at training camp on Friday.

Injuries prove costly for Hackett, Barnidge

Panthers free agent receiver D.J. Hackett caught 105 passes in 33 games with Seattle over the past three seasons, but hasn’t caught a pass from Jake Delhomme in a game.

Panthers waive T Spencer for being overweight (AP)
The Carolina Panthers waived tackle Charles Spencer on Thursday for what coach John Fox calls a “conditioning issue,” and re-signed offensive lineman Rueben Riley. The Panthers claimed Spencer off waivers from Houston two days before players reported to training camp. The former third-round pick hasn’t played in the NFL since breaking his leg during his rookie season in 2006.

Vincent brings size, stability to Panthers offensive line

The Carolina Panthers tinkered with the Toniu Fonoti reclamation project, but in the end they decided to go with salty veteran Keydrick Vincent at right guard.

Jason Carter out for season
The Panthers will have to look elsewhere for help for their depleated receiving corps. Jason Carter, the promising receiver who was the talk of training camp, tore an ACL in the win over the Washington Redskins on Saturday.

Godfrey’s play allows Panthers to overlook tattoo (AP)
Showing up at training camp as a rookie sporting a tattoo from another NFL team is a recipe for constant harassment. But when you’re a third-round pick thrust immediately into the starting role at free safety, constantly ask questions, don’t miss a practice and perform well in preseason games, veterans might give you a break.

Panthers‘ Chad Upshaw mourns death of his cousin (AP)
Carolina Panthers reserve tight end Chad Upshaw was on the field Thursday and the team tried to follow its normal practice routine. It wasn’t easy. As Upshaw mourned the death of his cousin, players and coaches reacted with sadness to the death of players association chief Gene Upshaw. “I think it was a shock to everybody,” quarterback Jake Delhomme said.

Panthers‘ Lucas, Smith together again after fight (AP)
When Steve Smith broke the huddle and lined up wide right, Ken Lucas was there to meet him on the other side of the line of scrimmage. This time, no punches were thrown. The players faced off Saturday for the first time since Smith broke Lucas’ nose with a sucker punch during the Carolina Panthers‘ training camp more than two weeks ago.

Dancing with the Skins
The Carolina Panthers welcome the Washington Redskins to Bank of America Stadium Saturday night. Or do they?

Jarrett pleads not guilty

Carolina Panthers receiver Dwayne Jarrett entered a not guilty plea through his attorney Friday in Mecklenburg County District Court on charges of driving while impaired.

Smith gets two-game suspension
Panthers head coach John Fox levied a two-game suspension on starting WR and former team captain Steve Smith for the attack that occurred at training camp on Friday.

Godfrey’s play allows Panthers to overlook tattoo

Showing up at training camp as a rookie sporting a tattoo from another NFL team is a recipe for constant harassment.

Panthers, Skins ready for most meaningful exhibition

The Carolina Panthers looked great on both sides of the ball in their preseason opener, then struggled a week later while playing in a soggy mess.

Game in Charlotte will bring Zorn close to family

New Redskins coach Jim Zorn talks to rookie quarterback Colt Brennan during an exhibition Aug.3. Zorn has changed the passing attack to a West Coast scheme featuring short passes.

Cousin, Panthers stunned by Upshaw’s death

Carolina Panthers reserve tight end Chad Upshaw was on the field Thursday and the team tried to follow its normal practice routine.

Robert Lahser-rlahser@charlotteobserver.com With the NFL’s regular season beckoning, the Carolina Panthers might be wondering what’s become of their once-deep group of receivers.

In-fighting can lead to chemistry issues (Yahoo! Sports)
Combatants from Sunday’s Hall of Fame game give their takes on the impact of a fight between teammates.

Carolina’s hot-headed Smith a good fit with Cowboys? (Yahoo! Sports)
On-line rumors floating the possibility of the Dallas Cowboys trading for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve…

Panthers release injured DT Scott, sign WR Bailey

The Carolina Panthers released injured defensive tackle Ian Scott and signed receiver Sean Bailey on Wednesday.

Julius Peppers was too good in Carolina’s preseason debut to give Jake Delhomme much of a chance to test his surgically repaired right elbow. Peppers was too dominant to give Jim Sorgi an opportunity to cement his status as Peyton Manning’s backup in Indianapolis. Determined to erase memories of a miserable 2007 when he was held to a career-low 2 1/2 sacks, Peppers sacked Sorgi, forced him to…

Panthers‘ Lucas, Smith together again after fight (AP)
When Steve Smith broke the huddle and lined up wide right, Ken Lucas was there to meet him on the other side of the line of scrimmage. This time, no punches were thrown. The players faced off Saturday for the first time since Smith broke Lucas’ nose with a sucker punch during the Carolina Panthers‘ training camp more than two weeks ago.

Game in Charlotte will bring Zorn close to family

New Redskins coach Jim Zorn talks to rookie quarterback Colt Brennan during an exhibition Aug.3. Zorn has changed the passing attack to a West Coast scheme featuring short passes.

Lucas: Smith punch was “blessing in disguise” (AP)
Ken Lucas stood in front of reporters Monday with a black eye and swollen nose. Then, in his first public comments since getting punched in the face by teammate Steve Smith at practice, Lucas insisted that the incident could end up being good for the Carolina Panthers. “I feel like what happened was a blessing in disguise,” Lucas said.

Panthers, Skins ready for most meaningful exhibition

The Carolina Panthers looked great on both sides of the ball in their preseason opener, then struggled a week later while playing in a soggy mess.

After waiting four months following toe surgery to practice again, and after sitting out last week’s exhibition opener, Carolina Panthers prized rookie running back Jonathan Stewart had another delay Thursday …

Carolina’s Smith says he ‘feels horrible’ about fight (Yahoo! Sports)
Star receiver Steve Smith was scheduled to rejoin his Carolina Panthers teammates Sunday night at training camp…

Foxhole: Return games

Comments from Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox following the team’s practice.

NELA in the NFL: ULM’s Chris Harris taking it easy with injury in preseason

CHARLOTTE — Barely 16 hours after suffering a strained groin during the evening practice on Aug.

Delhomme: Fight won’t slow down Panthers (AP)
When Steve Smith punched teammate Ken Lucas during a break in practice last week, Jake Delhomme knew the incident could tear apart the Carolina Panthers. Smith, the team’s top offensive weapon, was suspended for the first two regular-season games after breaking Lucas’ nose. The starting cornerback will be out a couple of weeks.

Jake: A Super Bowl-like delay

Jake Delhomme hadn’t spent that much time in a locker room since Feb. 1, 2004, when the Carolina Panthers played in the NFL’s biggest game.

Panthers hope to get their Phil
For many Panthers fans, games at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia still conjure up memories of the 2003 NFC Championship game. It is the site of, arguably, the greatest victory in franchise history, the 14-3 conquest that catapulted Carolina into Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston.

Top pick Stewart gets feet wet

After waiting four months following toe surgery to practice again, and after sitting out last week’s exhibition opener, Carolina Panthers prized rookie running back Jonathan Stewart had another delay Thursday …

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Muhsin Muhammad was one of Carolina’s few healthy receivers for Thursday’s exhibition in Philadelphia.

Panthers putting camp, and fight, behind them

On Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers wrapped up their shortest training camp and probably the most pleasant in terms of weather and injury news.

Foxhole: Return games

Comments from Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox following the team’s practice.

Panthers, Skins ready for most meaningful exhibition

The Carolina Panthers looked great on both sides of the ball in their preseason opener, then struggled a week later while playing in a soggy mess.

Panthers CB Lucas returns to practice (PA SportsTicker)
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Ticker) — Carolina Panthers cornerback Ken Lucas practiced Saturday for the first time since his training camp fight with teammate Steve Smith.

Kasay’s last stand?
Rhys Lloyd is hoping to land a job as Carolina’s kickoff specialist - and right now there’s a good chance he will. Original Panther John Kasay, who turns 39 later this year, has been one of the more consistent field-goal kickers in the NFL over the years - he was 24 of 28 last year — but within the past few years his distance on kickoffs has noticeably decreased.

Delhomme ready for first game after elbow surgery (AP)
Jake Delhomme couldn’t get through simple tasks such as washing his face and brushing his teeth without shooting pain in his right elbow. When he went to bed, he had to make sure to keep his arm straight so he could sleep comfortably. Cortisone shots became welcomed relief during the season, and the Carolina Panthers quarterback knew it was getting worse.

Eagles‘ starters will play a half; Sheppard will be at nickel (Yahoo! Sports)
As the last few pieces of equipment were loaded into trucks Wednesday, Eagles coach Andy Reid told reporters he…

Panthers linebacker in position to bust out

Carolina Panthers LB Thomas Davis tackles Indianapolis Colts RB Dominic Rhodes in the first quarter during the Panthers first pre-season game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, August 9, …

Seward making most of backup role with Panthers (AP)
When Adam Seward stepped out of his Jeep with the monster tires to report to Carolina Panthers training camp last month, he sported a thick beard and long hair wrapped in a ponytail just above his forehead. After an emotional offseason that saw him wooed by New England, re-signed by Carolina and thrown into a fierce competition after the Panthers drafted another linebacker, Seward decided he was…

Delhomme sharp in Panthers‘ loss to Eagles (AP)

Jake Delhomme fired a pass over the middle for a touchdown that was overturned. The result didn’t matter so much. Delhomme’s surgically repaired right elbow passed the test. Delhomme was 9-of-14 for 54 yards in his first real action since ligament-replacement surgery in October, but Tony Hunt’s 51-yard touchdown run with 2:15 left led Philadelphia to a 24-13 victory over Carolina on Thursday night.