dddddddDeRozan has scored at least 30 points in seven of Torontos

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Panthers coach Ron Rivera is hoping a bye week and some in-depth self-scouting will help the defending NFC champions salvage what is quickly becoming a lost season.Carolina (1-5) is marred in a four-game losing streak following a 41-38 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, a game in which his young secondary was shredded for the second time in the last three weeks.Oh, yeah. It really is a big challenge, Rivera said Monday. ... The easiest thing to do is quit, but shoot, weve got 10 games to play. Atlanta lost (Sunday). So heck, were not in a bad spot. What weve got to do is take care of our business and doing the things were capable of. That starts now.Big challenge might be an understatement.The Panthers are three games behind the Falcons (4-2) in the NFC South -- and 0-3 in division play. Theyve matched the worst record through six games for teams coming off a Super Bowl appearance, joining the 1987 New York Giants, 1999 Atlanta Falcons, 2002 St. Louis Rams and 2004 Panthers, who also started 1-5.Rivera encouraged players to get away from football following their practice on Tuesday.The Panthers are obviously frustrated as evidenced by Cam Newtons brief postgame interview Sunday -- which he ended after about one minute.During their time off, the coaching staff plans to do extra self-scouting to figure out how a team that went 17-2 last season and reached the Super Bowl has fallen off course.Hopefully we get some answers, Rivera said.The biggest focus will be the teams pass defense, which is allowing 282 yards per game and has surrendered 13 touchdowns through the air since jettisoning All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman.The Panthers have failed to generate much of a pass rush with their starting defensive ends Charles Johnson and Kony Ealy combining for one-half sack this season. That, combined with a young secondary that has been riddled by injuries and lacks game experience, has led to some poor results.Atlantas Matt Ryan threw for 503 yards and Drew Brees put up 465 against the Panthers, the two biggest totals by an opposing quarterback in the franchises 22-year history. Both threw for four touchdowns.Well, thats probably the biggest disappointment is we havent had the production we would have liked out of the front, Rivera said. The front has done a nice job. Weve done a good job stopping the run. But (the run defense) is not whats killing us.Rivera said the Panthers will look at ways of being more creative on defense to get additional pressure on opposing QBs.The problem with blitzing more is it leaves Carolinas young cornerbacks -- the Panthers have three rookies on the roster -- exposed more in coverage. Carolina has already given up eight passes of more than 40 yards, second most in the NFL.Rivera said the Panthers are seeing more double teams on defensive tackle Kawann Short, more play-action on first and second down and more chipping on their defensive ends on third down.There are some things weve got to be able to do to counter that stuff, Rivera said.The Panthers were counting on third-year defensive end Ealy to have a big season after he came on strong at the end of last season and had three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception in the Super Bowl. But Ealy has been completely shut down this season, and Rivera acknowledged the team hoped he would be further along in his progression as a player.Right now, for a six-game stretch youd like to see a little more production, Rivera said. Its not like hes not trying. Its tough because of the way people approach us now and look at us.Defensive end Wes Horton said Monday the biggest difference from last years defense that finished in the top 10 in the league overall and first in takeaways is the lack of communication and consistency.There are flashes where were doing well and other times when guys just arent in the right place, Horton said.If nothing else, the bye should also help the Panthers get healthier.They played Sunday without three starters: cornerbacks James Bradberry (toe) and Robert McClain (hamstring) and left tackle Michael Oher (concussion). Defensive tackles Vernon Butler (ankle) and Paul Soliai (foot) also sat out with injuries.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL Red Sox Jerseys China . The Cincinnati Reds remain perfect with their speedy rookie outfielder in the starting lineup. Custom Red Sox T-shirts . The 27-year-old Scrivens will be joining his third NHL club since signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent in 2010. The move also reunites with him with head coach Dallas Eakins from their time together with the American Hockey Leagues Toronto Marlies. http://www.customredsoxjersey.com/custom-bobby-doerr-jersey-large-79j.html . - The Oakland Raiders re-signed offensive lineman Khalif Barnes on Friday. Custom Red Sox Jersey China . With the first unit struggling of late and Amir Johnson - one of the teams iron men - hobbling on an injured right ankle, Patterson knew he could get the nod in a challenging matchup against one of the leagues up and coming players at his position. Custom Red Sox Jerseys . - The Washington Redskins have cut defensive lineman Adam Carriker and punter Sav Rocca. CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- DeMar DeRozan continued his torrid pace, scoring 34 points as the Toronto Raptors snapped the Charlotte Hornets four-game winning streak with a 113-111 win Friday night.DeRozan came into the game averaging an NBA-high 34.1 points per game. He shot 14 of 26 from the field and made several key jumpers down the stretch as the Raptors erased a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win for the fifth time in ssix games.ddddddddddddDeRozan has scored at least 30 points in seven of Torontos eight games.His latest big night offset a huge performance from Charlotte guard Kemba Walker, who scored 40 points on 12-of-19 shooting, including 7 of 12 from 3-point range. Walker also had 10 rebounds and six assists. ' ' '