Defense still wins.

[Marguide]

There has been a lot of talk on here about the temptation to add more weapons to our offense with the intent of just outscoring our opponents. People pointed to Green Bay and New Orleans as examples; if your offense was good enough, no defense would be able to stop you given today's rules.

This round of the playoffs has shown the fallacy in that approach. Balance is required, and good D still wins in December and January.

We all need to remember this as we consider FA/draft selections.

[Dpantherman]

Defense Helps...ALOT. But you still need a QB. 49ers don't win without Alex Smith yesterday and they had NO shot without that defense in the first 3 quarters.

[jamos14]

I think the more important part of the equation is having NO defense still loses (taints, and packers)

[DawgzLife]

Yeah, but the 49rs & Giants wins over GB & NO really does show the impact of D at the highest levels of the game; even against the best offenses in the league.

[JungleCat]

A good defense is a QB's best friend. With a healthy defense, the Panthers might have made the playoffs this year.

[beastson]

I think the more important part of the equation is having NO defense still loses (taints, and packers)

NE just won

You should predict them to lose to the Ravens next week then

[Brooklyn Bully]

I think Eli's numbers have a TAD to do with the win as well.

[jamos14]

NE just won

You should predict them to lose to the Ravens next week then

I honestly could see Baltimore winning. But c`mon Denver blows at life.

[jamos14]

A big difference is NE has one of the greatest QB/Head Coach combos of all time. Their d played great against denver

[tarheelpride]

Man I do wish our front 4 could generate pressure like the Giants front 4....that's the key to their defense....getting to the QB with fewer people.

[ladypanther]

A good D wins....if the O can score some points.

[Disinfranchised]

The Panthers need to spend the off season building the toughest deffense possible. Our O can put enough points to win games.

[Marguide]

NE is still in it.

Yes they are, and I expect them to beat the Ravens, then lose to either the Giants or San Fran in the Super Bowl.

The point is, you need balance. Of the 3 really high-powered offenses, 1 is left.

It is not realistic for us to think we can ignore upgrading our talent on D, and just relying on getting everyone back healthy.

[PrimeTyme]

Green Bay and NY lost because their opponents kept fumbling the ball.. the real lesson is dont turn the ball over and that lesson is nothing new