CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- While Leonard Johnson may not be able to save Carolinas struggling secondary on his own, the veteran nickel cornerback has brought some needed energy -- and some playmaking ability -- to a group still looking for an identity after losing All-Pro Josh Norman to free agency this past offseason.Johnson was stellar in his first game with the Panthers last Sunday with eight tackles, a sack and pass breakup in 30-20 win over the Arizona Cardinals.But it was his all-in emotional intensity that teammates said made the biggest impact.He brought electricity, said defensive tackle Kawann Short.Teammates noticed Johnsons upbeat personality when he joined the team for training camp -- even though he was rehabbing on the side with trainers.Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman thought enough of the 5-foot-10 Johnson to sign him as a free agent in July even though he was still working back from a torn Achilles. During rehab, Johnson would wear game pants -- rather than just athletic shorts -- to practice, a reminder to himself of his desire to get back on the field.Hes hungry -- and I like that, Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said.Johnson stepped into a secondary that had allowed Matt Ryan and Drew Brees to throw for a combined 968 yards and eight touchdowns in two of the three previous games.It didnt take long for Johnson to make an impact Sunday.I noticed it right away, Rivera said. I was like, `OK, hes getting into it. And he was into it. And he was definitely chatty. You could hear him out there. He says some pretty outlandish things in terms of getting after guys and challenging guys. He does bring that energy.Sometimes too much energy.Johnson would have had two sacks on Sunday had he not been flagged for unnecessary roughness when he ripped the quarterback Carson Palmers helmet from his head. That cost the Panthers 15 yards -- and Johnson a $9,175 fine from the league for an illegal hit.He apologized to his teammates at the time, but they simply told him to keep playing hard and bring the energy.He did just that.He brought juice, linebacker Luke Kuechly said. Leonard has love for the game and thats good to have.Added safety Kurt Coleman: Whether he was trying to make a play or trying to hustle to the play, he was full out. Was he perfect? No. But he made a lot of things happen. It was just a great addition to what we strive to be, a team that is running to the ball to make things happen.Rivera said the Panthers have been looking for a slot cornerback similar to Captain Munnerlyn, who left to join the Minnesota Vikings as an unrestricted free agent following the 2013 season.They think they have finally found that replacement in Johnson. Hell get another shot Sunday on the road vs. the Rams.Its only been one game, but hes done some really good things, Rivera said. You can also tell he was rusty. We just feel if we continue to grow and things get better, he can be a big part of what we want to do on defense.Game notes Left tackle Michael Oher (concussion), center Ryan Kalil (shoulder), linebacker Shaq Thompson (knee), cornerback Daryl Worley (elbow) and defensive tackle Vernon Butler (ankle) did not practice Thursday and their status is uncertain for Sundays game against the Rams is uncertain. Kuechly was held out of practice as a precautionary measure with a groin injury, but Rivera said he should be back to work on Friday.---AP NFL website: http://pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL Discount Canucks Jerseys . -- The Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake played to a 0-0 tie Saturday night that left the top of the Western Conference standings unchanged. Derek Dorsett Jersey . Its an influence in football and a big part of the game. http://www.cheapcanucksjerseyschina.com/christopher-tanev-jersey/ . -- Eastern Kentucky thrives off creating havoc for others. Markus Granlund Jersey .C. -- Rodney Hood connected from all over the court while freshman Jabari Parker was busy swatting shots and scoring in transition. Alexander Mogilny Jersey . PAUL, Minn. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois is expected to start the Seminoles opener, but he is not taking ownership of the offense yet.I dont ever say its my offense until Coach [Jimbo] Fisher tells me its my offense, Francois said. Ill just continue to do what he tells me to do and continue to practice hard every day.Francois, a redshirt freshman, is the clear leader to start Sept. 5 against Ole Miss in Orlando, Florida, after senior quarterback Sean Maguire?suffered a broken bone in his right foot that will sideline him for four weeks. Maguire will undergo surgery Monday.An Orlando native and elite high school quarterback, Francois said he isnt worried about making his first start in his hometown or facing Ole Miss, which ended 2015 ranked No. 10, on Labor Day.I dont think the lights will be too bright. I believe in my preparation, and everything Coach Fisher has taught me is to stay humble and continue to trust the process, he said. If I prepare well and I continue to do everything I need to do and everything he tells me to do, I feel like Ill be fine.Francois said it was tough to hear that Maguire would miss four weeks after they worked out together throughout the offseason. Despite competing against each other for the starting position, Francois said the fifth-year senior routinely helped him grasp the offense.Maguire bbroke the bone on the second day of practice but tried to play on it the next few days.dddddddddddd Following an MRI, the team doctor told Maguire the injury would get progressively worse without surgery.I worked my tail off this summer. I didnt go home for spring break or in May when we were off. I was here rehabbing this foot, and when this [left] one got healthy, I got up every morning at 6 a.m. with the linemen, Maguire said. These past few days have went pretty bad.... Thats the most disappointing because of what I went through this whole offseason as far as rehab and working out and watching Ole Miss tape. Ive never felt more ready for a season.Expected to be the starter in 2015, Maguire lost the job to transfer Everett Golson the week of the season opener. Maguire would be shuffled in and out of the lineup during the second half of the season before being named the starter after leading a comeback win off the bench. He suffered a broken left ankle in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl but returned to the game. He missed spring practice recovering from surgery.The expectation is Maguire will be ready for the second or third week of the season.After the surgery, he said, its all hands on deck to be back to full strength. ' ' '