CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers would like to be talking about what Cam Newton can do on the field after a long week of conversations relating to other issues.The discussion about the San Francisco 49ers might finally veer more toward their starting quarterback after a backup received a bulk of preseason attention.The teams square off Sunday afternoon at Bank of America Stadium in the second week of the season coming off extremely different results.Newton, the reigning Most Valuable Player in the league, has been cleared to play this week after a series of rough hits absorbed in the opener at Denver, where Carolina lost 21-20 in a Super Bowl rematch.Several of those hits drew considerable scrutiny because of the perceived nastiness and claims from that Panthers that Newton isnt protected through officiating as well as other quarterbacks.Some of them obviously youd like to see them throw a flag, Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. Again, thats up the referee. ... People react to big hits differently.In the opener, Newton ran for a 2-yard touchdown to set the NFL career record for rushing touchdowns for quarterbacks with 44, eclipsing the mark held by former 49ers standout Steve Young.His ability and willingness to run often puts him in harms way.Hes an imposing figure and sometimes those hits dont look so bad on a big guy, Rivera said. Because hes a big guy, I think sometimes they think he can take it.The 49ers received a solid outing from quarterback Blaine Gabbert in his first opening-day start with the team in the 28-0 romp past against the Los Angeles Rams.49ers backup Colin Kaepernicks protests regarding social justice that has him declining to stand for the national anthem had become an overriding theme about the 49ers.Then Gabbert finished 22 of 35 for 170 yards and a touchdown without a sack or an interception and the defense delivered the first shutout in an opener in the franchises history.The 49ers preferred to discuss those topics.First game in our system, there were some real things we can build on, 49ers coach Chip Kelly said of Gabbert and the offense. I see him getting better. He kept plays alive. He kept drives alive with his feet. Were pleased with where he is right now.Kelly, in his first season with San Francisco, figures there could be some growing pains ahead, but he likes the direction.Offensively, there was a little inconsistency in some of the drives, Kelly said. But I think overall when you have 28 first downs ... there were some positives. Ive seen them grow and develop since we got them in April.With Panthers linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis, Kelly said the 49ers will encounter a stern test.That might be the best tandem that we face, he said. Youre not going to fool those guys very much.Week 2 will mark the home opener for the Panthers, who went undefeated at home in 10 games, including two in the postseason, last season. Carolinas home-field winning streak sits at 13 games.A year ago, the Panthers went to the last week of December before losing, so coming off a loss in the opener might seem strange.We didnt do everything we needed to do to give ourselves a chance to win, Rivera said. I know our guys have all taken it very personal.Kelly would like to ride the wave of good vibes stemming from his first game in charge.There was a real good energy on our sideline, Kelly said.Sundays game will put new Panthers punter Andy Lee up against a team he played with for more than a decade (2004-14).When the Panthers came on board as an expansion team, they were in the NFC West with the 49ers and they became rivals. But since the end of 2001, the teams have met only four times. The most recent of those resulted in San Franciscos playoff victory in 2013 in Charlotte.This weekends game marks teams coming of extremes in terms of rest.The Panthers played in the NFLs first game of the season on Sept. 8, and the 49ers played in Monday nights late game (the final game of Week 1) and must make the cross-country trip for Sundays early afternoon kickoff.We got a jump-start on breaking down the film (during the weekend), Kelly said. When you have a Monday night game, you know youre going to be short. You know your schedule in April, so weve got everything laid out. Were really efficient with our time.Authentic Tremon Smith Jersey . "I was fortunate to play many years at this level with a great organization and unbelievable teammates," said Hejduk in a statement. Cheap Chiefs Jerseys China . The showiest items on Calgarys lot were forwards Mike Cammalleri and Lee Stempniak. Both will be unrestricted free agents this summer. http://www.cheapchiefsjerseysauthentic.com/ . "No difference at all," chirped U.S. roommate and linemate James van Riemsdyk. "Its still the same cranky Phil. Cheap Chiefs Jerseys . -- Teemu Selanne scored the first goal of his 22nd NHL season, and the Anaheim Ducks extended the best start in franchise history with their fifth straight victory, 3-2 over the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night. Authentic Dorian ODaniel Jersey . -- On the field, it was business as usual for Jameis Winston and No.STORRS, Conn. -- Two University of Connecticut football players have been suspended from the team after being arrested Wednesday night on drug and weapons charges following a routine traffic stop.Linebacker Nazir Williams and defensive lineman Felton Blackwell III, both 19, were pulled over after 10 p.m. Wednesday after campus officers saw their vehicle had only one working headlight and had drifted over the center line, police said.They said after Williams consented to a having the car searched, officers found four grams of marijuana, two BB guns, and an open container of vodka in the car.Both players are charged with having the gun in a vehicle, and Williams, who police said was driving the car, also is charged with possession of drugs and possession of alcohol by a minor. Both are due in court on Nov. 1.According to the arrest log, both players were within reach of a loaded BB handgun that appeared to be an actual firearm and did not have an orange tip marking indicating it was a BB gun.The players, both redshirt freshmen, did not immediattely respond to emails seeking comment and it was not immediately clear if either had hired an attorney.ddddddddddddNeither Blackwell, a 6-foot-2, 328-pound defensive lineman from Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, nor Williams, a 6-foot-3, 248-pound linebacker from Bridgeton, New Jersey, have played in a game for the Huskies (3-4), who host UCF on Saturday.In announcing the suspension, the school said football coach Bob Diaco and athletic director David Benedict were taking the allegations very seriously and that the safety of the schools student athletes and university community was of the utmost concern.The school would not comment whether either player faces academic sanctions, citing federal privacy laws. If the athletes are charged with violating the student code of conduct, they could face punishment ranging from probation to expulsion.---This story has been corrected to show that two BB guns were found, not one. ' ' '