Panthers' Keiser, Bell proof preseason does matter

Go ahead, you try telling Carolina's Byron Bell and Thomas Keiser the NFL preseason doesn't matter. They know better. Bell and Keiser arrived at Panthers training camp last summer as undrafted rookies and heavy underdogs to make the 53-man roster. Both overcome those odds after strong performances in the preseason. Bell made the opening-day roster and started 12 games at right tackle and is now viewed as the team's long-term answer at that position. Keiser's relentless motor prompted the Panthers (No. 20 in AP Pro 32) to sign him to the practice squad, where he eventually fought his way onto the roster and registered four sacks in eight games as a reserve defensive end. They serve as motivation for other long shots who are working hard at Panthers training camp.