Feeling Undeniably Optimistic

[hepcat]

I am optimistic because Canales actually seems like an NFL caliber head coach and Morgan seems to be a NFL caliber GM, which is something the Panthers haven’t had in a long time. I’m not optimistic because the QB situation is FAR from settled. But at the very least they seem to have finally hit on the administration. 

[strato]

2 minutes ago, hepcat said:

I am optimistic because Canales actually seems like an NFL caliber head coach and Morgan seems to be a NFL caliber GM, which is something the Panthers haven’t had in a long time. I’m not optimistic because the QB situation is FAR from settled. But at the very least they seem to have finally hit on the administration. 

Agree and they are tight right now, aligned in vision and working towards the same end. 

I just wish they'd quit shorting the defense. Shorting, the puns write themselves. 

[Dunn]

This team has a chance to win the division the way it is now...even with the porous defense which I do believe will tighten up as the season progresses.  Aside from the Chiefs (and they don't even seem invincible right now), every game we have is winnable. 

Huge swing from 'how much are we gonna lose by this week' to 'we have a shot to beat any team on our schedule'.  

[strato]

It's better football but not sure our hole isn't finished being dug by the defense, playoffs are pretty far away.

[Captroop]

The fact that we have posters unironically talking about the playoff tells you all you need to know about the mood of this place under Andy's stewardship.

And I don't disagree. The NFC South is definitely up for grabs. There are teams in this division that I worry about getting a head of steam, or they'll run away with it before we find our stride. But it seems like most are happy to stumble as soon as they look like they're about to build momentum (Carolina included).

The truth is, I don't even really care about the playoffs this year. My expectations were so low for this season that I can't even pretend to be disappointed if we missed them.

The important thing is, I woke up this morning, and I can't wait for Sunday. I'm excited to watch the Panthers play. I'm excited to root for our guys. I'm proud to rock my Panthers kit at the bar. I cheer - loudly even though I'm the only Panthers fan at the bar - when they do something right. I pound the table when the team makes a mistake or the other team scores. I'm not just shrugging my shoulders, rolling my eyes, chuckling ruefully, or not even noticing because I'm looking at my phone.

I woke up this morning and I realized I care.

That's the first time I've felt that way in over a season, maybe more. And I bet I'm not alone.

That alone is reason for us to feel optimistic.