I watched the game from a sports bar in Montana. Most everyone there was impressed with the way the Panthers played and I regularly overheard people saying that they would be a surprise team this year. The general perception was "look what they are doing to the Seahawks.....look how they are standing up to them" It was really odd to hear so much positive about them when I am used to this place. I never started these conversations or even took part...I was just overhearing them.