Panthers-Jets: Pregame observations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N,J. -- Just a few hours away from Panthers-Jets at Giants Stadium:

-- The news late Saturday afternoon that Steve Smith has sore ribs and is questionable for today was a surprise. So pregame injury news will be key today: Will Smith and linebacker Na'il Diggs (also questionable, also with rib problems) play? The Panthers are already thin at linebacker and without Smith, their passing game also would be significantly diminished today (see Charles Chandler's story today). Look at it this way though, it would be a great chance for players like Dwayne Jarrett or Kenneth Moore to emerge.

-- With or without Smith, the Panthers will be going against one of the best young cover cornerbacks in the league in the Jets' Darrelle Revis. Revis, who made the Pro Bowl last season, held the Patriots' Randy Moss to four catches and 24 yards and Houston's Andre Johnson to four receptions and 35 yards earlier this season. This would be the first time he's faced Smith.

-- Speaking of Revis, he ended up being part of a signinficant trade between the Jets and Panthers that netted Carolina two young stars as well. In 2007, the Panthers traded the 14th overall pick to the Jets for their first and second rounders (25th and 59th). The Panthers drafted LB Jon Beason and C Ryan Kalil with those picks and the Jets took Revis. -- David Scott