SPARTANBURG, S.C. — After two years that’s included plenty of criticism, few catches and no touchdowns, Dwayne Jarrett has been thrust into a starting role with the Steve Smith-less Carolina Panthers.

His teammates believe the former Southern California star may finally be ready for the job.
The scene Wednesday of Jarrett breaking the huddle with the first team, then catching a touchdown pass over the middle from Delhomme was what the Panthers envisioned when the used a second-round pick on him in 2007.
After two disappointing seasons, Jarrett is the starter while Smith is sidelined with a shoulder injury.