After a big win, Panthers have more to prove

The Bears and Carolina Panthers are practically stepbrothers.

Sent by NFL schedule-makers to be served as the main course for an AFC power in Week 1, both teams turned up victorious. The Bears stomped Indianapolis 29-13, while Carolina scored on the final play to upset San Diego 26-24.

According to the Charlotte Observer, last week's results prompted Fox Sports to increase the regional broadcast footprint for Sunday's game from 10 to 25 percent of the nation. So these teams have that going for them.

Now here's a closer look at this week's Bears opponent.

Bionic arm: For the second-straight week, the Bears will be facing a surgically repaired quarterback. But while Peyton Manning missed all of preseason with a knee issue, Carolina's Jake Delhomme had Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow last year after being injured in Week 3. The 14-yard bullet pass to Dante Rosario that beat San Diego should serve as evidence that Delhomme's velocity has returned.

A starlet is born: Dante Rosario, a second-year tight end from Oregon, may be a rising star. He led the Panthers with 7 receptions last week, including the touchdown after time expired.

Apparently, though, Rosario still has hills to climb when it comes to name recognition. During the Chargers game, Fox reportedly showed a graphic listing Carolina's top receiver as "Rosario Dawson." She is actually a young actress ("Rent," "Sin City" and "Death Proof") not known for catching footballs.

Smith still suspended: The Panthers' top receiver, Steve Smith, will be serving the second of a two-game suspension for punching teammate Ken Lucas in the face during a training camp altercation. Replays of Smith scorching the Bears for 218 receiving yards in the playoffs three years ago may be haunting to watch, but they'll do the Panthers no good Sunday.

Backfield in motion: Here's something else the Bears and Panthers have in common: both released their top rusher during the off-season. DeShaun Foster never crossed 1,000 yards in a season, but did lead the Panthers for three straight years. He's now a 49er.

That leaves Carolina's rushing duties to third-year pro DeAngelo Williams (18 carries, 86 yards vs. San Diego) and rookie Jonathan Stewart from Oregon, chosen with the No. 13 draft pick. Coach John Fox said this week the Panthers seriously considered drafting Matt Forte.

Tackle eligible: Rookie tackle Jeff Otah, chosen with the 19th pick of this year's draft, is starting for the Panthers. Of course, the Bears' choice at No. 14, Vanderbilt tackle Chris Williams, is out indefinitely with a back injury. Carolina's other tackle, Jordan Gross, moved from the right to left side this year to create a spot for Otah, who is expected to play despite leaving last week's game with a knee injury.

Panthers on defense: Carolina was a middle-of-the-road defensive team last season but ranked 31st in the league in sacks with 23. After three straight years of double-digit sacks, Julius Peppers had just 2.5 in 2007.

Peppers moved to the right side this year to accommodate free-agent addition Tyler Brayton, a former Raider. Middle linebacker Jon Beason set a club record with 160 tackles last year as a rookie.

Out for revenge: Safety Chris Harris is playing well and was not happy when the Bears traded him to Carolina for a fifth-round draft pick last year.

"I circled this game on my calendar as soon as I saw it," Harris said in the Charlotte Observer. "I wish we could have played them last year. I was a little bitter when (the trade) happened, as I'm sure most people would be. I think I've already proved (the Bears) wrong."

At least Harris, who led the NFL with 8 forced fumbles last season, had the heart to not mention Adam Archuleta by name.

Watch for: Mistakes in kick returns. Panthers return specialist Ryne Robinson (knee) is not expected to play, and his replacements put the ball on the ground twice against San Diego.

Bring the heat: It has been rainy recently in the Carolinas, but Sunday's forecast is sunny with a high of 94. Prepare to sweat.

Unfamiliar location: The Panthers have been in the league since 1995, but this is only the Bears' second visit to Charlotte for a regular-season game. The first trip resulted in a 24-14 loss in 2002.

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