Former Rams receiver Proehl helps Panthers prepare

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- No one is better positioned than receiver Ricky Proehl to give the Carolina Panthers a crash course on the St. Louis Rams before their Saturday playoff meeting.

Proehl played in two Super Bowls in his five seasons with the Rams, accumulating a volume of inside information on many of their schemes and strategies. Now that Proehl is a Panther, coach John Fox is asking him to unlock the secrets in time for the teams' divisional playoff showdown.

"We don't leave too many stones unturned," Fox said. "He's a guy that I am sure will spend a little time with our defensive staff this week."

Proehl, who signed with Carolina during the offseason as an unrestricted free agent, is downplaying what he can offer.

"I've helped a little bit, but not much," Proehl said. "Coach Fox has done a good job in the past planning his schemes against the Rams."

Modesty aside, Carolina's defenders think Proehl's insight has been invaluable. Although no one would reveal any of Proehl's tips, containing receivers Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce was probably high on the list.

"He knows what they teach their receivers," safety Mike Minter said. "When it still comes down to it, you still have to do what you've got to do. But there are some small tips you can pick up on. I don't think that you will be out there looking for it all of the time. But if you see it, then it will help you."

The Rams are all too aware of what a former teammate can give away. Quarterback Marc Bulger believes former St. Louis players Dre' Bly and Az-Zahir Hakim played a key role in Detroit's 30-20 victory over the Rams in the final week of the regular season.

"Ricky will help them out a lot," Bulger said. "Ricky was here long enough that he understands some of the things that we do and we'll have to compensate for that."

Proehl was disappointed when the Rams let him go after the 2002 season, but didn't take long to agree to come home to Carolina: he lives in Greensboro and played at Wake Forest.

St. Louis coach Mike Martz said letting Proehl leave was a financial decision: The Panthers were offering more money than the Rams were willing to pay for a receiver used mostly in third-down situations.

"I don't know how significant the difference was," Martz said. "But he went to Wake Forest and his family is there. There were a lot of factors involved with that. It was difficult to see him leave.

"Ricky Proehl is a local favorite here. This town loved him. The players and the staff were very close to him. He has great leadership qualities and all of those things. It was difficult to see him go."

Proehl ended the regular season with 27 catches for 389 yards and four touchdowns, including the game-winner in the season-opener against Jacksonville. He also registered his 600th career reception this season.

He was also an important presence in the locker room, a positive influence on Steve Smith in his breakout year as a receiver.

"You get young guys who want to catch every ball, they want the ball thrown to them every play," Proehl said. "You have to calm them down and tell them 'Do your job and wait for the opportunity.' I enjoy that role."