CHARLOTTE, NC - Although their season has been over for months, the Carolina Panthers have put together a nice run of headlines.

Let's start with Carolina's new defensive line coach Eric Washington.

Washington comes from Chicago where he coached Julius Peppers.  In Carolina, he takes over a talented d-line (as far as ends go).  Free Agent Charles Johnson had 11.5 sacks and Greg Hardy showed promise.  The interior portion is a different story.  However, drafting Auburn DT Nick Fairley would provide some help.

Also added to new head coach Ron Rivera's staff were three guys who know a lot about catching the ball: receivers coach Fred Graves, tight ends coach Pete Hoener and offensive consultant Ricky Proehl.

Graves spent the last four seasons with the Tennessee Titans helping mold young pass catchers Justin Gage, Nate Washington and Kenny Britt into having career-best years. 

Pete Hoener spent six years in San Francisco, where his star pupil Vernon Davis put together some of the best seasons by a tight end in recent history.

Expect a little throw-back to the "Wesley Walls Era".  It appears Carolina will finally use tight ends to catch balls; not just block.

The third guy, Ricky Proehl, is finally back at Bank of America Stadium where he'll be working as an offensive consultant.  His experience will be key in developing those young receivers.

On to basketball...

The Charlotte Bobcats have put together a nice record over the past few weeks, playing their way into the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

But, several big questions surround the team:

1 - Can Charlotte survive without Tyrus Thomas at power forward?

Thomas is expected to miss up to eight weeks with a torn meniscus.  Gerald Wallace has filled-in.  But, it hasn't been pretty, shooting 7-for-21 over a three game stretch.  (Read Rick Bonnell's article)

2 - What about the "trade deadline"?

At the end of last year, it was all but confirmed Wallace and Stephen Jackson were on the trading block.  It appears rumors are still swirling.

As recently as two weeks ago, an Akron, OH newspaper reported the Cleveland Cavaliers had spoken with the Bobcats about Wallace.  The report said the Cavs would use their trade exception to acquire Gerald.  However, they've also pushed for a lottery-protected first-round pick (from Charlotte) for Cleveland taking on the two years and $ 22 million left on Wallace's contract through the 2012-13 season.

As for Jackson, at the end of December it was reported by NBA sources the Chicago Bulls are pursuing a scoring guard to pair with point guard Derrick Rose. And, Stephen Jackson is reportedly on the Bulls radar.

It's clear the Bobcats are dealing big contracts away (remember Tyson Chandler?)  But, what are they planning?  'Melo isn't likely to land here, and neither is Chris Paul.  Hmm... I wonder who the 'Cats will pursue this summer?

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