Three reasons why the Panthers can win it all this year

[EgoDogg]

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The respect factor: Opposing head coaches should worry about their players taking the Panthers lightly simply because of their record. That would be a big mistake. Just ask the 2010 New Orleans Saints, who lost in the first round against a division champion (Seattle) that entered the postseason with an even worse mark than Carolina. The Panthers did go 62 straight days without a victory at one point this season but have since won four straight games en route to winning the NFC South. Only Seattle (six) enters the playoffs with a longer winning streak.

 

Physical play: Carolina's turnabout was spurred by the resurgence of its running game and stinginess on defense. The Panthers averaged almost 200 rushing yards in their four December victories, led by the oft-injured Jonathan Stewart. The defense finally adjusted to the absence of defensive end Greg Hardy, who is serving a de facto paid suspension following a domestic violence conviction, and are again fielding a strong pass rush. The Panthers haven't surrendered more than 301 yards or 17 points in their current winning streak.

 

No fear of Seattle: Should the Panthers defeat Arizona on Saturday, a trip to Seattle looms for a second-round playoff matchup. Carolina won't be intimidated. The Panthers hosted the Seahawks in each of the past two seasons and barely lost by scores of 12-7 (2013) and 13-9 (2014). Carolina is quite capable of winning another slugfest even on the road against the NFC's top seed.

 

Now don't get excited, they did this for all the playoff teams. 

[Mol3m4n]

Can we please fuging win this game first?

[GRWatcher]

The big reason: surprise, surprise, surprise. Everyone would be in shock.

[Davidson Deac II]

The big reason: surprise, surprise, surprise. Everyone would be in shock.

 

Everyone, including a significant percentage of our fans. 

[EgoDogg]

Can we please fuging win this game first?

 

They did that for every team. No need to be hasty. Haha, I don't think anyone here thinks it'll be an easy road. Would you prefer a "Three reasons we can lose in the first round" article? I'm sure I can find one so both sides are covered.

[iamhubby1]

Can we please fuging win this game first?

If it's not the grammar police. It's the "Don't get too excited" police.

Who'd a thunk that fans weren't allowed to get excited? Wow.

[Vampire the buffet slayer]

Its one thing when you start a thread talking about WHEN we make the Superbowl.

Its completely another when you link an article that composes optimism for all the playoff teams.

Nice thread.

[PandaPancake]

Everyone, including a significant percentage of our fans.

Myself and the other two Panthers fans in northern Colorado will riot.

[B.BERSIN]

I'll lose some sleep tonight.

[Goondal]

I like the no fear of Seattle part.  If we win today, which I think we will, I really hope Dallas beats Detroit so we get a shot at the Champs.  We can worry about Lambeau when we get there (or maybe Romo can help us out there)

[Jangler]

I only count two:

 

bribes

blackmail

 

[Mad_Scientist_565]

nah Detroit needs to win out so the NFCC is in our house.

[EgoDogg]

I like the no fear of Seattle part. If we win today, which I think we will, I really hope Dallas beats Detroit so we get a shot at the Champs. We can worry about Lambeau when we get there (or maybe Romo can help us out there)

Completely agree with this. If we can win today, I'd much prefer Dallas wins over Detroit. The team I would LEAST like to play at any point is @ Green Bay

[Carolina Cajun]

Frankly, our team is set to be able to play Seattle tougher than Green Bay.  If Rodgers gets into a quick rhythm our secondary (while improved) is no match for him.  We aren't intimidated by Seattle, Cam has always played them close, and we have the personnel to stop Lynch.  Our run defense is our strength, Frankly, IF, we were to make a run, best lineup IMO would be Zona-Seaturds-Cowgirls.  Zona with their 18th string QB and no run game, Seaturds with their strong run game that I feel we can slow down or stop, then Cowgirls again because of our ability to slow down or stop their run game.  This is all honestly a pipe dream, but I've seen weirder things happen, and I see us healthy and playing well at just the right time.