PanthersATL

The nfl.com Chance of Playoff Percentage stat has shifted up for us by a tiny tiny bit (like.. uh, 2 points??) to 19% with the Dallas loss tonight. So yay us, I guess?

The NFL and NFL Players Association have agreed to a new model for selecting playing surfaces in stadiums Fingers crossed we get a grass field back. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47203298/nfl-union-agree-new-model-picking-playing-surfaces

fingers crossed that all the public signals we've seen suggest he truly is on the sidelines

I think we need Cowboys to lose, as they're closest to a wildcard situation that would impact us

It's a cheap money, no brainer decision Despite the inconsistencies, Bryce has shown he is able to QB a team that beat uber-strong contending teams. Despite all the negatives thrown around here like candy, he's gotten some on-field accolades in circumstances we never thought he would Worst case? We find our next bright shiny object, Dalton chooses to retire, and Bryce turns into a QB-whisperer of our own and morphs into a mentor/backup role before ascending into coaching (if that's what he wants to do)

Testaverde? (I'll see myself out)

playoffs would be nice winning record will also be nice (it was totally not expected this year, especially after being a laughing stock last season) winning record this year AND next year will be unprecedented in Panthers history

Isn't it fun for a change to be arguing about IF/WHEN playoff scenarios?

his name should be in contention according to stupid AI stuff, here's the criteria. Dave checks most, if not all, of the boxes Key criteria for the award Team improvement: A significant year-over-year improvement in wins is a common factor. Elite record: Achieving a winning record, often with 10 or more wins, is a strong indicator. Overcoming adversity: Success despite injuries or other significant challenges can make a coach a strong candidate. Narrative: The award is often narrative-driven, rewarding coaches who are seen as having a breakout season or turning around a struggling team. Lack of a star quarterback: Coaches are more likely to be credited if their quarterback is not perceived as an elite, MVP-caliber player.

he's racking up records, recognition Who would have thought Bryce would break a Cam passing record?

Big Picture thoughts: at the end of last year, we were pretty happy with how Bryce was playing and our finish at 5-12. We didn't expect to get that many wins based on the previous year and how the season started. We were on an upswing, and even though 5 wins is typically not worth celebrating, we were feeling good. We showed what we had the potential to do. This year was a big of a rollercoaster, and here we are having serious conversations about playoffs. And, depending on how these last 4 games go, we could end up with a winning 9-7 record (or even 10-6) and not make the playoffs at all. If we have that winning record but miss the playoffs, should we be an angry fanbase about what we could have done, or should we be a happy fanbase because we achieved what nobody thought was possible this year? I'm leaning towards happy. Bryce setting records (both team and personally). Dave getting recognition for turning the locker room around and getting the players PLAYING. Dan for what is looking to be solid off-season and in-season player management. And (dare I say) Tepper continuing to keep his hands off the team decision making. Can't hate any of this if we end up with a winning record at the end.

As we head into the last 4 games of the season (and what a surprising season thus far), let's get a vibe check on how we feeling now...

Next year we play Lions, Tigers, and Bears (and Ravens) at home... along with NFC WEST and AFC WEST. Our away games will be vs the Browns, Packers, Vikings, Steelers, and NFC East GOOD NEWS (unless we get a Europe game, which isn't out of the question) is that our away travel schedule is fairly close to home. None of our away games are past the Central timezone. I'd be surprised if we were scheduled to *host* a home match in Germany until 2028 based on rotation. Based on today's standings, we would play the Chargers and Seahawks at home, and Cowboys away.

the flex games are terrific for TV viewers and those who live local to the stadium and can make the timing shift. It's horrible for anyone who has to travel to a game

playing around with ESPN's playoff machine, not a lot of surprises if we sweep Tampa, then we're pretty much in the 4th seed. LOTs of other variables come into play for us to sneak in with the 7th seed as an option - way too many to list here right now. Still a small chance if we split Tampa, but need a ton of help here too In other words, our post-season runs through Tampa, everything else will be dependent on other teams