Pro Bowl a popularity contest, nothing more….
December 17, 2008
All the talk today on the huddle is over the Pro Bowl selections, and more specifically, the lack of Deangelo Williams on the roster.
I can certainly see why this would be a big deal to Deangelo Williams. Players typically get an incentive bonus and a free trip to Hawaii in February. But I am not certain why the fans care so much? What do Pro Bowl appearances do for the team?
Well, for one, they raise the prices of the players during contract negotiations. That definitely is not a thing to hope for. Also, it may give the player a sense of accomplishment while there are still games to be played this season (and off season). Personally, I like my premier players to feel slighted. I like them angry and with a chip on their shoulder when they take the national stage in the playoffs.
So Panthers Fans, you would be well advised to set your Pro Bowl angst aside until February. Feel free to complain about it constantly on February 8, 2009.
Until then, your Carolina Panthers are fighting in the only contest that matters. Not all fans can say the same about their team.
Yes, the Panthers can still miss the playoffs
December 17, 2008
by Greg Bailey
Is this even possible? As well as the Panthers have played in three straight wins to push their record to 11—3 with home field advantage in the playoffs now just 1 win away, could they miss the playoffs? Yes.
It sounds ridiculous, but Carolina could miss the post season under the following scenario:
Carolina loses to the Giants and Saints to close the season AND Atlanta, Dallas and Tampa all close the season with two wins.
The Panthers, Bucs, Falcons and Dallas would all finish with 11—5 records and Carolina would lose out based on division records and records within the conference.
Just for grim fun, I’ve included the remaining schedules for all those teams:
Carolina: @GIANTS, @ SAINTS
Dallas: vs. RAVENS, @ EAGLES
Atlanta: @ VIKINGS, vs. RAMS
Tampa: vs. CHARGERS, vs. RAIDERS
This is one more reminder that the Panthers have had it right all year long. ONE GAME AT A TIME is cliché and it’s boring, but it also works for teams like Carolina.
