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A few early afternoon Panthers notes:
-- Defensive end Julius Peppers was named NFC defensive player of the month for November. He had seven sacks during the month, which tied his career high for a month.
-- Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden had high praise for Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith and linebacker Jon Gruden during a conference call with reporters who cover Carolina.
"That Steve Smith is a nightmare, man," said Gruden. "He's like Freddie Krueger to me."
Gruden also used that analogy when talking about Smith with the Bucs players on Thursday, according to cornerback Ronde Barber.
Gruden said Beason is an "every down buzz-saw" at linebacker, praising Beason's hustle and ball-pursuing skills.
-- Injury update: Linebacker/special teamer Adam Seward (ankle) and defensive end Hilee Taylor (calf) did not participate in practice Thursday. Cornerback Ken Lucas (head) participated fully.
