PanthersATL

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

looking at the flex options, there's an LAR vs ATL in a monday night slot that might become available

it's been the lead story on all the early evening recap shows. NFL Network's recap was pretty, pretty decent

prayers, answered

Old story of "we win, we get coverage" That said: decent package on SNF (although a bit heavy on the Rams coverage, but they made up for it with some dedicated Panthers story) Lead feature on NFL Network gameday Highlights Almost lead feature on Sportscenter

Somewhere along the line, we started referring to Rivera as "Riverboat Ron" for his penchant to take some unexpected risks Based on what we've seen so far, has Canales done enough to earn a nickname of his own?

And both the offense and the defense stepped up despite the players who were out

So good, So Good, So Good

Cmon Arizona. You have one job today

We're too young to get that call

WE never know how to evaluate our team

Nothing wrong with 4 yd plays

can't do a QB sneak can't do any designed QB runs that go up the middle/danger zone

that INT was on Bryce. Just because the play call may have been "pass" doesn't mean that Bryce can't game-manage into a run when the opportunity presents itself

Pi-hole for the win

3 ints, 3 pts. That ain't winning

ESPN appears to be fairly balanced during the pregame. Mostly. At least they're trying

Bucs with Teddy and Baker? This game has it all

Maybe it depends on how the logo is tweaked. Kinda looks college-ish (yes, this is official NFL merch)

Flash forward maybe 20 years and we could finally have a brand motif that is significantly different where we would officially have "throwback" styles celebrating the first X decades of the team. Still wear my Panthers NFC WEST sweatshirt on occasion

I do approve of the NFL's recent schedule makers' choice of piling a bunch of division games at the end of the season (not just for us, but all the other divisions too). When the matchups are competitive, it makes for a fun month to cheer