That's now many points the Carolina Panthers' first-team defense gave up in three exhibitions (the starters didn't play in the Panthers' fourth exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Steelers).

"It's an example of how good we can be," said Beason, the Panthers' middle linebacker.

He is an emerging star on a once-dominant unit that underachieved last season, coming up with a franchise-low 23 sacks and finishing in the middle of most of the NFL's key defensive statistics.

So, although the only exhibition points that first group gave up came from a 42-yard field goal by the Indianapolis Colts' Adam Vinatieri, there's obviously room for improvement.

It will need to come quickly. The Panthers open their regular season Sunday in San Diego against the Chargers, who feature perhaps the NFL's top running back -- LaDainian Tomlinson -- and other offensive stars such as tight end Antonio Gates and Philip Rivers.

PANTHERS SIGN RETURNER: The Panthers signed Mark Jones on Monday, two days after he was released by San Diego. As Ryne Robinson remains sidelined indefinitely with a sprained left knee, Jones probably will return kickoffs and punts Sunday against his former team.

PLAYERS TO WEAR PATCH IN HONOR OF UPSHAW: NFL players will wear a uniform patch this season to honor NFL Players Association leader Gene Upshaw, who died Aug. 20.

The league announced Monday that the patch will have the initials GU and the number 63, which he wore while playing for the Oakland Raiders.

SUPERDOME OK: The Louisiana Superdome, for now still scheduled to host an NFL regular-season opener Sunday between the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, appeared to be in good condition after the worst of Hurricane Gustav had passed, the stadium's operator said.

RAVENS' FLACCO GETS NOD: Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco will start in the season-opener Sunday for the Baltimore Ravens, who awarded the job to their top draft pick because he's the healthiest player at the position.

RAIDERS PICK UP LELIE: The Oakland Raiders agreed to terms on a one-year contract with discarded receiver Ashley Lelie on Monday in hopes that the former first-round pick can regain his form and help bolster an inexperienced position group.

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