Mage

Surprised? I wouldn't be surprised. I think you are missing my point. I'm not saying the Panthers won't extend Bryce. I'm just saying that decision won't be based off one game. This game is not going to decide if Bryce is released or given a 5-year deal. Like, those are crazy extremes. The people who will be surprised are those who think the Panthers losing this week will automatically mean Bryce is gone in the offseason or won't be starting again for us next year, since that seems to be the only reason people are wanting them to lose. Which is why I think it is silly to be rooting for that. Because we can all pretend we know what the FO is thinking, but we don't. So why not just enjoy the moment and the possibility of hosting a playoff game? Like, what's the point of being a fan of the team if we can't even enjoy moments like this? Just because of something that MIGHT happen in the offseason?

So like I said, you are basing this off nothing but conjecture. You don't know the teams intentions. You are getting yourself worked up over assumptions. The idea that the difference between Bryce being released in the offseason or being given a 5-year extension is one NFL game is silly. I don't think it is grounded in reality whatsoever. If the team plans to give Bryce a 5-year contract, it's going to happen regardless of how Saturday goes.

But this is just illogical. We haven't made the playoffs since 2017 and it has done nothing to get us any closer to being a contender. Like how could losing on Saturday possibly increase our chances of being a perpetual contender? We still need to find a long-term answer at QB, and have we not seen how difficult that is? All your concerns are just conjecture-based. You don't know what the FO is thinking. You don't know if any moves in the offseason will be difference based off us making the playoffs vs not. For all you know, Bryce could play like crap this week, we lose by 30, and he's still the starting QB in 2026. And if the team is as committed to Bryce as some of you claim they are, then one week isn't going to change that.

That could play a role, but it is just tough for WRs to get inducted. There is always a backlog. It is crazy to me that Torry Holt, who retired in 2009, still isn't in. Even Cris Carter had to wait a long time. I do think Smith will make it in one day but it could be some time.

Atlanta Falcons for sure.

Acknowledging that we aren't a good team vs actively rooting for them to get destroyed and not make the playoffs are two entirely different things. Yes, Panthers aren't good. Yes, we likely won't go far in the playoffs. But why would you rather see your favorite team not even have the opportunity? Who is to say we have another chance at making the playoffs for the next 10 years? Jets haven't made the playoffs since 2010! Think about that. All of you keep focusing on unknowns and whatnot. Here is the biggest unknown: we don't know when we will have another chance. It could be 2035. It could be 2040. Let that sink in for a moment. Yet, instead of wanting to capitalize on the opportunity, you want to see the team get beat down. And for what? Because MAYBE we move on from Bryce Young? And what will you do if that doesn't happen anyway? What would we have gained from missing the playoffs then? And look, I'm not trying to sound holier-than-thou. Not trying to demean you as a fan or anything like that. But just try to enjoy the moment because it could be a long time, as sad it sounds, before we are in this position again. You just don't know. And if you don't believe me, go find a Jets fan. Go find a Browns fan. Go find a Lions fan from the mid 90s-2010s. Go find a Dolphins fan.

How could anyone possibly know this? We have missed the playoffs for how many years now, and what has that gotten us? I'm not going to pretend like I know what the FO is going to do 3-4 months from now. What I do know is the NFL season is extremely short, and the opportunity to see my favorite team host a playoff game for the first time in 10 years is something I want to see. And it stuns me that there are Panthers fan who don't want to see that. And again, to each their own - but I think some of you are focusing way too much on unknowns. Do we really think, if this FO has any intentions of moving on from Bryce Young, that one game is about to make the difference with that? Like, come on now. In all likelihood, they have already made a decision. I just think people should try and just enjoy the moment more. The NFL changes fast. Who says we don't go another 7-10 years after this without making the playoffs?

2009 Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall Marshall was such a stud that season. So inconsistent otherwise.

To each their own, but this is such a crazy perspective to have. Are the Panthers not your favorite team? Why would you not want to see them play an extra week? Yeah, we aren't very good. And yeah, we will likely be an easy out in the playoffs. But we haven't had a playoff game since 2017. We haven't hosted a playoff game since 2015. How is this not something to get excited about, regardless of what we "deserve or don't deserve"? I won't insult anyone the same way OP did. But to me, calling yourself a Panthers fan but actively rooting against them getting into the playoffs is just ludicrous IMO. And screw the Bucs. Even if we don't "deserve" to make it, neither do the Bucs. Why would any Panthers fan be rooting for them?

How is this even a question?

From what I've heard, we will likely be the Monday Night game if we make the playoffs.

Everything you said is true BUT This is a 1pm East Coast game for a team coming from the West Coast. That always causes some issues (see: Rams) Hopefully that gives us somewhat of an edge. Not to mention how packed this stadium should be (hopefully Panthers fans still show out despite the cold, wet weather).

You live in Charlotte? You look outside? This is Uncle Rico weather.

Will be at the game today. Stadium better be JUMPING. Panthers been killing it at home this year. Let's finish it strong! I'm expecting another slug it out game by the Panthers. Seahawks have been cooking, but Darnold will give us one or two, especially in this weather. I expect UNCLE RICO to have a big day. KEEP POUNDING

I'm fuming about this play still. QBs should not be rewarded for these decisions. And I can't believe people think it is reasonable to expect a defender, in an important moment of the game, to react in less than a second to what a QB, who has established himself as a running QB in this league, may do. https://x.com/fsh733/status/2000362698471768161?s=20 He went for the tackle at the same time Shough began to slide. We're not talking about a guy scrambling out of the pocket. HE WAS THE DESIGNATED RUNNER! And it wasn't even a big hit. Just one of the most BS ways to decide a game that I have ever seen.

If ya'll think that is a kill shot, then holy crap lol

Why not just have RBs slide on every single RB Dive? QBs should not be allowed to slide as a designated runner on a play designed to go right up the middle and then expect the defender to stop what he is doing in a millisecond. It is absolutely BS.

Insane that people are actually defending this lol

Only the Panthers could beat the top 3 teams in the NFC and still miss the playoffs lol

I don't think they trade him either, but they are stuck with Deshaun Watson for another season and as bad as he is, he makes so much money that the Browns will feel obligated to start him. So for that reason I could see Shedeur being traded, especially if he makes a stink about it if he feels his performance has warranted an opportunity to start.

I hate to crash the party... but we are technically not first in the division. Like, the Bucs would be the NFC South Champions if the season ended today.

I can't imagine the NFL is going to risk the Panthers on prime time again after they laid an egg the other week vs 49ers.

Eh, I get what you mean, but it is more like don't bet what you can't afford to lose. Not like I dropped a band on it haha I love the Panthers. Been to all the games. I do a good job separating betting from fandom. It isn't like I was rooting for the Panthers to lose - I'd much rather lose money and the Panthers win than vice versa. I get why it would rub some the wrong way though. I was being more facetious than anything else - nothing is free money in sports, especially the NFL. Everyone should bet responsibly.

BRYCE IS CLUTCH JUST ADMIT IT BOYS

AYE I'LL TAKE IT!! LFG!!