MCCOY PICKS CAM FOR MVP: David Newton of ESPN writes that Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy picks Cam Newton for league MVP, noting that McCoy has been particularly impressed with the way Newton led the Panthers to last minute victories over Seattle, Indianapolis, New Orleans and the New York Giants. READ MORE

SMITH, BUCCANEERS FOLLOWING PANTHERS MODEL: Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith says the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are using the Panthers' blueprint as a guide for how they would liek to build their team. "We've seen them get better and better, unfortunately for the rest of us in the NFC South -- but it is a model of what we're going to do." READ MORE

NEWTON TALKS FATHERHOOD, REGULAR SEASON FINALE:Cam Newton spoke to the media about his newborn son, his goals for the new year and his thoughts on Sunday's matchup between Carolina and Tampa Bay. WATCH VIDEO

THE STAGE IS SET: Per Bill Voth of the Black and Blue Review, head coach Ron Rivera and kicker Graham Gano both say the turf at Bank of America Stadium is in good shape after a rain-soaked Belk Bowl. READ MORE

WEGHER READY TO ROLL:Max Henson of Panthers.com writes that rookie running back Brandon Wegher is ready to make his regular season debut vs. Tampa Bay, if called upon. READ MORE

YEAR IN REVIEW:Take a look back at the top articles, videos, photos and social media posts on Panthers.com from the year 2015. READ MORE

TOP 10 PHOTOS OF 2015:Team photographer Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez shares her top ten photos from 2015.View the gallery below.