Work conversation

[LUUUUUKE]

So we're sitting at work, normal water cooler type talk, and the Cowboys Panthers game comes up. As I'm now in a new place, I stay quiet as nobody knows that I'm a Carolina fan. I just wanted to listen as everyone talked, to see how knowledgeable they were about our franchise even though they're not Carolina fans.

I was honestly pleasantly surprised as to how much they knew about us, but several of them were spot on as far as what we need to take it to the next level. Others obviously knew nothing and all they could mention was our losing record, and that we sucked.

The conversation picked up in intensity as people took sides. I remained quiet still. Long story short, was that Carolina is no longer seen, at least by this group, as a doormat. We are considered a threat and formidable opponent to anyone we play. The consensus was that we would win that game, and take the South again this year. At this point I spoke up, and let them know I was a fan, and kept spewing knowledge and dropping bombs on the haters.

It was likely one that u had to witness, but I came away surprised that we are being regarded so highly now by even casual fans.

Tldr; the perception of our team is changing, and it's exciting to me. We're playing "America's team" <insert fart noise here> on Thanksgiving, and to me that points out that the NFL's perception is also changing. Think about it, we're a pretty young franchise tone featured on Thanksgiving. Think about the many teams that are much older than us, that have never gotten the opportunity.

Maybe I'm just over analyzing, but I like the direction we're going, and it's nice to not to have to constantly be in the defense of my team when having football conversations. It was nice having people have my back for a change, and I can't wait for us to get better in the draft. The future is bright boys, just wait and see.

[Mr. Scot]

If you don't mind my asking, what city are you working in?

[LinvilleGorge]

Tldr; the perception of our team is changing, and it's exciting to me. We're playing "America's team" <insert fart noise here> on Thanksgiving, and to me that points out that the NFL's perception is also changing. Think about it, we're a pretty young franchise tone featured on Thanksgiving. Think about the many teams that are much older than us, that have never gotten the opportunity.

 

Let's be honest though, it's no coincidence that Greg Hardy is returning from suspension for that game.

[nctarheel0619]

If you don't mind my asking, what city are you working in?

 

This is key here, because if it's in North Carolina.  Hard to take it too soon.  

[The NFL Shield At Midfield]

several of my co-workers are cowboys fans so most of the office banter is that they're going to sign cam so he can go play for a "real team"

 

tony romo with his $20 million cap number will spend 2016 on the bench i guess

[iamhubby1]

Let's be honest though, it's no coincidence that Greg Hardy is returning from suspension for that game.

Let's be honest. There is no way anyone anywhere played this as anything but a Coinky Dinky. There is no conspiracy. There is no dark room where men in dark hoods plan out ways to screw with the Panthers.

Also. It is a 10 game suspension. We play them on the 10th game for both teams. He will not be playing us.

[MechaZain]

"Luke Kuechly is great. If Cam gets help they will be dangerous" is the general consensus and extent of Panthers knowledge here in redskins nation.

[OneBadCat]

Let's be honest though, it's no coincidence that Greg Hardy is returning from suspension for that game.

 

 

If we let the typical ex Panther dominates former team scenario happen I will be so mother fuggin pissed. We better beat the sht out of them.

 

Just gotta be able to over come refs that game.

[Johnny Rockets]

Let's be honest though, it's no coincidence that Greg Hardy is returning from suspension for that game.

 

 

Not saying it's wrong but I don't quite get this theory. What does the NFL have to gain by doing that?

 

Thanksgiving games are watched by everyone including the most casual fans. The ratings increase wouldn't even register because the majority of people watching that day (or most days) don't even know who Greg Hardy is. 

 

Since so many casual fans and eyes will be on the games that day why would they want to make domestic violence, which is the biggest black eye (no pun intended) to the league maybe ever, the main story line of the day?

 

The negatives just seem to far outweigh the positives for the league (if there even are any). 

[Liminy]

 which is the biggest black eye (no pun intended)

 

 

LOL, that pun was definitely intended.

[LinvilleGorge]

Let's be honest. There is no way anyone anywhere played this as anything but a Coinky Dinky. There is no conspiracy. There is no dark room where men in dark hoods plan out ways to screw with the Panthers.

Also. It is a 10 game suspension. We play them on the 10th game for both teams. He will not be playing us.

 

You're right that it's their 10th game.  I hadn't looked at the schedule, it's just that every media outlet out there has been reporting that Hardy's first game back would be vs. Carolina on Thanksgiving so I took that for what it's worth.

 

I don't think there's any "conspiracy".  Every organization out there tries to create hype behind their product and increase consumer awareness and interest.  I think you're being naive if you don't think the NFL plays to media story lines to increase media presence and they also make decisions that are purely based in economics.  For example, the London games.

 

Why do you think it's terrible teams who consistently have to give up home games to travel to London to play?  Those teams aren't selling out anyway.  The Jaguars have played 4 times in London and in every single one they've been the designated home team.  They'll play their 5th in London this season.  Is that a conspiracy?  No. The Jags have terrible home attendance.  Why not send them to London?

[SCP]

If you don't mind my asking, what city are you working in?

If I had to take a flyer here, I'd guess he is in Charlotte. The clues are quite obvious: group is mostly Cowboy fans, half the group is semi-knowledgeable about the Panthers, half the group is clueless. Sounds like the typical Charlotte office building.

[SCP]

I avoid coworker conversations when I am not traveling and am forced to be in this godforsaken office.

[KissMyConverse]

Actually there are only two teams that have never played on Thanksgiving.... Carolina and Jacksonville.

 

So at least we won't be the last.

 

As far as national perception I got into a conversation with 9er fans last night at the gym. I won't bore you with the details except to say when Kap was brought up and I suggested they dumb down the playbook for him again since he was tearing it up when they kept it simple and that he is more of an Athlete than QB.... they laughed and argued that Cam is the same. They couldn't back it up and I shut the conversation down at that point since to me ESPN still runs the national narrative on Small Market teams. Whatever brush stroke they want to paint your team is going to the how the common NFL fan sees you.