We made National Football Post's pressure index (for what it's worth).

[Peppers90 NC]

i love the howdhedodats at yahoo

[Krucid]

Anything short of getting into the playoffs in any year is considered a failure imo. This year is no different.

[TheJason]

We're due for a winning season anyways.

[SCP]

I believe we are good enough to make the playoffs. However, we are in the NFC not the AFC. So grabbing one of those wildcard spots will be tough. Lets just say that packers, redskins, falcons, and 49ers taje their divisions. That only leaves two spots open. Teams left that could seriously be competing for them? Seattle, Saints, Bucs, Giants, Bears, Vikings, Lions, Cowboys, Philly, Rams, and us.......OUCH.

And we play 8 of the 10 you listed. This is the biggest case of "control your own destiny" that I have seen in awhile

[twylyght]

If the D-Line comes along as expected, the best predictor for our success will then ride on how our O-Line holds up.  If that clocks in at above average or better, then we have a better than average shot at not just the playoffs, but pushing further

[raleigh-panther]

The Panthers have a large opportunity to set the tone for their season early.

 

It will be interesting to see what they do.

 

Lose two big games at home in Sept to Seattle and the Giants, and well, same old Panthers.

 

Come out and look like an assured pro team with a Coach who has a clue how to coach a game, win at home, sky is the limit.

 

Momenteum means a lot.

 

If this team does not have a winning season this year, its over for Rivera.  I don't know what to think of him but until he beats a better team in the playoff hunt, meaning something to play for, I find it hard to think of him as much more than a nice guy who should have stayed a D-coordinator.