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The weather was great.
• Carolina’s season is bad enough. We don’t need to manufacture a controversy. At least two representatives of Los Angeles have contacted Panthers owner Jerry Richardson. Maybe they want the Panthers to head west. Maybe they want to put together a deal to buy the team. Maybe they want advice from a man who has served on every essential NFL committee and is a friend and confidante of commissioner Roger Goodell.
Richardson is not moving the Panthers to Los Angeles and issued a 51-word statement Sunday that said as much. Although the language could have been stronger, his message was clear. The message is this: Richardson was born in North Carolina, went to college in South Carolina, began his business in South Carolina and lives in Charlotte.
The Carolinas are his turf. His team is not leaving it.
• Denver linebacker Von Miller had six tackles. It only seemed like 26. Carolina tight end Greg Olsen couldn’t block him, slow him down or disturb him. Nobody else could, either. Miller was as least as dominant defensively as Peyton Manning was offensively.
• Ryan Kalil, the best of Carolina’s offensive lineman, was on a scooter Sunday. He’s out for the season with a Lisfranc injury to his foot. He was in the tunnel below Bank of America Stadium after the game. Kalil might be the best center in the league, but admits he’s a terrible spectator. He wants to play. Although his Panthers were humiliated Sunday, his younger brother’s Minnesota Vikings upset Detroit. Matt Kalil, a Minnesota offensive tackle, has had a sensational rookie season. Ryan says Matt could go to the Pro Bowl. If he does, Ryan expects to be invited.
• Did I mention the weather was great?
