Carolina receives a scare

The Carolina Panthers were a only few hours into their first minicamp of the year before they received a major scare.

According to report, star wide receiver Steve Smith leaped for a pass but became entangled with a defensive back. While every person present held his or her breath, Smith stayed on the ground while a team of trainers inspected his left knee.

Luckily, Smith was able to walk it off while his teammates and coaches breathed a sigh of relief.

“Any time a player goes down, it’s scary, especially when it’s that guy, 2004 was flashing in front of my eyes,” Head coach John Fox said.

No doubt Carolina fans would have strongly considered throwing in the towel for 2007 if Smith would have been seriously injured. He is the heart and soul of the offense. So much, in fact, that the team is rendered almost completely incompetent if he is (somehow) shut down by a defensive back during a game.

And with the release of wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, the Panthers are counting on Dwayne Jarrett to be everything they hope. If he can’t distract defenses enough that Smith can avoid double or triple coverage, Carolina will effectively have their hands tied during the season. The running game is still anything but threatening to opponents, and the Panthers displayed a lack of confidence in quarterback Jake Delhomme when they signed David Carr to a contract.

2007 depends on Steve Smith’s health. Everyone can breath a sigh of relief now, but an injury could cripple both Smith and Carolina.