Panthers take a big step closer to deciding the NFC South and the fans proved they’re ready for a home playoff game
The Carolina Panthers earned a huge win in Week 16 but the job isn’t finished.
The Carolina Panthers have been one of the most intriguing stories of the season that not many people have been paying attention to, yet the team is in the pole position of the NFC South with two games remaining and looking toward hosting a playoff game.
With the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina took one big step closer to locking up the NFC South. Next week, the Panthers will host the No. 1 seed Seattle Seahawks before travelling to take on the Bucs again in Week 18. There’s still a lot at stake, and a lot to play for, but the Panthers now control their own destiny at 8-7.
“Everything’s right in front of us still, to give ourselves a chance to continue to play meaningful football this time of year. They’ve earned that,” Panthers head coach Dave Canales said. “They’ve earned that because of the work, because of being accountable to each other and really having a great week of preparation.”
Carolina is flexing its home field advantage muscles with a massive home game coming up
It wasn’t long ago that the Panthers took down the No. 1 seed Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium in Week 13, a defining win for the entire team proving they can contend with the big dogs. Next Sunday’s game against the Seahawks will have even higher stakes in hopes of defending the home turf against a top contender.
“These are playoff games now — point, blank, period,” Panthers safety Nick Scott said. “So we’re gonna ask for that intensity, not only from the fans but just the guys week in and week out.”
Speaking of the fans, the atmosphere was electric on Sunday against the division rival, and the Panthers improved to 5-2 at home on the season. With a chance at hosting the wild card round, home field advantage goes a long way this time of year.
“That (expletive) was rockin’ in here today,” Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown said. “So shoutout to the fans. Don’t be afraid to travel in a few weeks (to Tampa Bay in Week 18).”
At the same time, the Panthers can’t get too far ahead of themselves. Carolina hasn’t won in consecutive weeks since the three-game win streak back in October. Handling success is important and this is a big week to see how the Panthers respond to another big win before facing off against another top team in the NFC.
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