Is The Season Opener A "Must Win" For You?

[RoaringRiot]

Colts got smoked by 20 points on opening day last year by the Bears.  Ended up doing alright

 

 

Wait, what?  That's relevant.....

[panthers55]

This is correct.  It's not a literal must win, it's an analogy (since many of you can't get past that).  Winning and losing this game is the difference between a real chance at 11-5 vs ending up 8-8

Losing the first game means we can't go 16-0 in the regular season. That is all it means.  Any other speculation is fine, but winning or losing the first game has zero determination in going 11-5 versus 8-8.  

 

 

Perhaps the other 15 games on our schedule might though.

[Ivan The Awesome]

Yes, it is a must win. For the team, the fans, the season. Starting off right is a must. Especially against a very good Seattle team. Some of you brushing this game off do not realize the wonders a W week 1 will do as a whole.

[ncsfinest21]

for a experienced team no. For us yes. We need to get a W in the column off gate. Boost the moral of the team.

[carolinarolls]

Must play hard.

Must not look unprepared.

Must compete.

Only ever a must win if you're talking about a coach keeping his job, an elimination tournament, or a big makeup bet on Monday night after a horrible weekend when rent is due.

[hepcat]

I'd have to go with there being no rule here at all....this thread seems to be an exercise in postulating significance to something difficult to evaluate and most likely based in personal feelings. I can't buy that a win or loss against Seattle will cement the destiny for this years team......... However, since the last time we won a season opening home game was 2003, beating Seattle means Superbowl?

 

Last time the Panthers won Week 1 was 2008.  They actually one the home opener against New Orleans last year, so I'm not sure what you're talking about 2003 for.  

 

Anyways, for or a team that has gotten off to two consecutive 2-8 starts, winning the opening game would be a huge step in the right direction.  Especially against a Seattle team expected to be Superbowl contenders.  A loss, especially a bad one, could set the tone for another poor season.  

[RoaringRiot]

Losing the first game means we can't go 16-0 in the regular season. That is all it means.  Any other speculation is fine, but winning or losing the first game has zero determination in going 11-5 versus 8-8.  

 

 

Perhaps the other 15 games on our schedule might though.

 

 

you are completely out of your mind if you think winning or losing the first game has "zero determination" in what our final record will be.  

 

Not placing any value on beating a playoff team, at home, week one vs getting off to another losing start is ridiculous.  The impact that winning that game would have on this team would absolutely, without question impact their play for the rest of the season.

 

Those who can't understand that don't have the ability to think past the inferred "must-win game" statement by the OP.  

 

Let's try something different.....on a scale of 1-10 how important is winning the Seattle game?  

[BANE]

How in the blue hell can opening against a favorite for the Superbowl be a "must win". How the f**k does that make any sense? You guys better prepare your a**holes, the chances of this team beating that Hawks team are slim and everyone knows it. NO one expects the Panthers to win that game. It may be a  "must win" for the Seahawks, as i sated, they are potential SB contenders. The Panthers are in yr 3 of a rebuild, losing to potential SB contenders is just a part of that. 

 

With that said, its year 3 of a rebuild, time to start showing some improvements. I think im on the thought of play well and lose, no big deal, play like garbage and get blown the hell out? Eh, this rebuild clearly on the wrong track.

 

 

[csx]

you are completely out of your mind if you think winning or losing the first game has "zero determination" in what our final record will be.  

 

 

It only dictates whether the team can or cannot go undefeated or without a win.

[ed bell]

Last time the Panthers won Week 1 was 2008. They actually one the home opener against New Orleans last year, so I'm not sure what you're talking about 2003 for.

Anyways, for or a team that has gotten off to two consecutive 2-8 starts, winning the opening game would be a huge step in the right direction. Especially against a Seattle team expected to be Superbowl contenders. A loss, especially a bad one, could set the tone for another poor season.

I'm talking about 2003 because earlier in the thread the question was asked about the last time this team won a season opening home game. Not the home opener, and not the season opener, but an occurance of both. Someone answered 2003, which is correct.

I'd certainly agree that it would set a great tone moving forward, but as others have said, Seattle is projected as a candidate to reach the Super Bowl. Losing to them without looking like garbage is far from a death knell to a winning season or playoff hopes.

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[rodeo]

It's not a "must win" to me, but it's a "must look good." Seattle is one of the best teams in the league, I don't think we need to come out and kick their ass. But we need to come out and look like we could kick a lot of ass in general.

[MrBubba]

Its not a must win. But it is a must "show up, and make Seattle earn it, if you lose". Don't want to see Panthers get overpowered, and get ass kicked.

[panthers55]

you are completely out of your mind if you think winning or losing the first game has "zero determination" in what our final record will be.  

 

Not placing any value on beating a playoff team, at home, week one vs getting off to another losing start is ridiculous.  The impact that winning that game would have on this team would absolutely, without question impact their play for the rest of the season.

 

Those who can't understand that don't have the ability to think past the inferred "must-win game" statement by the OP.  

 

Let's try something different.....on a scale of 1-10 how important is winning the Seattle game?  

I told you what it means.  It means we won't go undefeated.  Otherwise not much.  Sure how we play will be important but winning or losing won't be.  If we play poorly and win because Seattle plays worse, it won't be a great sign or anything to celebrate.  On the other hand, if we play very well but lose because they play better, then signs will be that we might do well down the road despite losing.

 

You are focused on the wrong thing.  In this case winning and losing may be the bottom line, but how we look will tell us more about the season than anything else. 

 

[carolinarolls]

Don't forget that '08 opener was one of the most dramatic and hard fought come from behind finishes in franchise history. For us to make the playoffs we are going to need a handful of those this season IMO.

stealing that game from Rivers was a treat. One can argue they have never recovered.