Author: Chris Ashworth

Chris Ashworth

A sports writer born and bred in the Old North State, Chris' passion for sports was ingrained at an early age. Growing up in the Triangle, college sports were a dime a dozen and Chris went back for seconds. With a primary focus on App State, NC ACC schools, and the Carolina Panthers, you'll find a bit of history, humor, and a reason to cheer on your favorite team(s). In addition cheering on his favorite football teams, Chris is a voracious Carolina Hurricanes fan.

As the dawn of the 2024 offseason rose, the Carolina Panthers started out with a respectable yet not dazzling amount of cap space. One main goal for the Panthers this offseason? Better players without overextending themselves. Despite the acquisitions already secured, there is still plenty of room left for future moves. Cap Space Explained In the NFL, ‘cap space’ refers to how much a team can pay a player in a given season. Each season, the NFL sets a limit, or a “cap” that teams must be at or under by the time the official offseason begins. Cap Space…

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App State Schedule Unveiled After a slightly below average 2023 season, App State football fans have reason to be excited as the 2024 season unfolds, featuring a mix of challenging opponents and key matchups. Let’s break down the notable games and rivalries awaiting the Mountaineers this upcoming season. But first, a recap of the 2023 season for the App State Mountaineers: September 2: vs. No. 25 (FCS) Gardner–Webb W 45–24 September 9: at No. 17 North Carolina L 34–40 (2OT) September 16: vs. East Carolina W 43–28 September 23: at Wyoming L 19–22 September 30: at Louisiana–Monroe W 41–40 October…

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The Carolina Panthers are eyeing several top-tier wide receivers in this year’s free agency, despite some of them being tied up with their current teams. Insights from ESPN NFL insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano suggest that the Panthers are gearing up to bolster their receiving corps to support quarterback Bryce Young. Panthers Eyeing Top-Tier Talent Graziano highlights the Panthers’ quest for a primary wide receiver, expressing interest in potential trade targets like Tee Higgins and Michael Pittman Jr., who were initially expected to hit free agency but were tagged by their teams. However, if negotiations for long-term contracts falter,…

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In a decision poised to reshape their lineup, the Carolina Panthers are preparing to bid farewell to center Bradley Bozeman as the new league year dawns, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This anticipated departure signifies a significant shift in the Panthers’ approach, highlighting their commitment to revamping key positions for the upcoming season.  Bradley Bozeman’s Time with Carolina Panthers Nearing End Bozeman, who secured a three-year, $18 million extension just last year, finds himself on the brink of departure amidst the Panthers’ strategic shift. His tenure with the team, spanning two seasons, has been marked by both accolades and challenges.…

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In anticipation of the 2024 NFL Season, the Carolina Panthers find themselves at a crossroads, poised for a resurgence after a challenging previous season. As they prepare to navigate the tumultuous waters of professional football, the focus turns to strategic decisions that will shape the team’s destiny. Amidst the fervor of anticipation, the spotlight shines brightly on the Carolina Panthers, a team known for its resilience and tenacity on the gridiron. Critical decisions loom as Carolina Panthers gear up for the 2024 NFL Season. With a less than stellar outing last season, they head into 2024 with no where…

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(photo courtesy of App State Athletics) A Football Homecoming in Boone Boone, North Carolina – Mark Speir, a seasoned coach with a rich history in the game, is set to return to his alma mater, Appalachian State University, marking a poignant homecoming for both him and the Mountaineer community. App State’s head coach, Shawn Clark, announced the return of Speir, who will take on the role of senior assistant to the head coach, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the program’s ethos. “We are excited to welcome Mark back to Boone,” said Coach Clark. “He and…

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Brian Burns Bagged & Tagged In the ongoing saga of contract discussions between standout pass rusher Brian Burns and the Carolina Panthers, a temporary resolution has emerged – albeit one primarily serving the interests of the Panthers. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport’s recent update, the Panthers have opted to utilize the franchise tag on their talented 25-year-old outside linebacker. This strategic move effectively bars Burns, who was nearing the end of his rookie contract, from exploring unrestricted free agency this offseason. Despite initial optimism for a long-term agreement, negotiations between the two parties have hit a standstill.…

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