Panthers coach John Fox applauded Michael Strahan, whom he spent time coaching with the New York Giants, for an oustanding career. Strahan officially announced his retirement from the Giants just months after winning his first Super Bowl ring.

   "It's kind of nice when you have that world championship ring," Fox said. "Michael has played a lot of good years and he had some left. I haven't talked to him about it yet, but I'm sure he put a lot of thought into it. I think he was close (to retiring) last year. But I'm happy for him. He's had a great year. I'm proud for him."

   --Running back LaBrandon Toefield remains out with an abdominal strain.

   --Someone asked me for another update on Jake Delhomme the other day. All I can tell you is what I've said before: The man's arm looks stronger than it has ever looked in the six years I've covered him. He's throwing the ball with great velocity and confidence.

   If he's not 100 percent, he has to be pretty close.

   And he's throwing all sorts of passes -- short outs, crossing routes, flys, deep post routes, etc... That's good news for Panthers fans.

   --This big story during OTSa has been the heat with temperatures approaching 100 degrees even in the morning.

   "Your body's about climatizing, and probably the more you can expose yourself to that heat and humidity, even though we're not in pads yet, I think this helps your body get more used to it," coach John Fox said Tuesday. "So I really think it's been kind of a bonus for us as we prepare for Spartanburg."

   --Offensive tackle Jordan Gross talked a little about rookie offensive tackle Jeff Otah on Tuesday.

   "He's just a huge guy that can move, and I don't think you can find that every day," Gross said. "I came in as a rookie and played the same position (right tackle) and he's got a lot to learn and a long way to go, but he's definitely more than capable. I think he can be a really good player for us. And the thing I'm excited about is we've got a lot of youth and talent now; hopefully we can have the same lineup for a few years in a row."