PFF GRADES FOR HOU-CAR:Despite missing two of their top players in Luke Kuechly and Star Lotulelei, the Panthers defense stepped up against Houston. Top performers according to Pro Football Focus include safety Kurt Coleman, cornerback Josh Norman and defensive tackle Kyle Love. Kawann Short yielded the highest rating of all players with a 5.9. On offense, guard Andrew Norwell was a top performer, yielding a 3.9 against a stout Texans defensive line. READ MORE

PANTHERS HAVE AT LEAST TWO REPLACEMENTS FOR STARS: In his latest column, Tom Sorensen of the Charlotte Observer notes that the Panthers have great backup depth in linebacker A.J. Klein and quarterback Derek Anderson. READ MORE

PANTHERS REPORT CARD 9.20.15: Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer provides his weekly game grade for the Panthers' position groups and highlights the linebackers and quarterbacks as the top performers vs. Houston. READ MORE

MONDAY MORNING OPTIMIST:James Dator of SB Nation's Cat Scratch Reader also higlights the defensive performance of Klein and Norman. READ MORE

STEPHEN CURRY AT PANTHERS HOME OPENER:Bleacher Report recaps the experiences of NBA MVP and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry as he met with the Panthers and struck the ceremonial Keep Pounding drum prior to the start of yesterday's home opener.READ MORE

PANTHERS VS. TEXANS LONGEST GAME IN FRANCHISE HISTORY:Bill Voth of Black and Blue review notes that the Panthers' Week 2 victory against Houston clocked in at three hours and 39 minutes, making it the longest regular season game in team history. READ MORE

WINSTON-SALEM GIRL GETS TO BE PANTHER FOR A DAY:Ten-year-old Sofie Zuluaga from Winston-Salem got a chance to join the Panthers for the coin toss as an honorary team captain prior to Sunday's game. **READ MORE**