Changing the Losing Mindset

[Seltzer]

People have posted regarding the Cam interview, and for my 2 cents I'm totally cool with what he said. As long as he backs it up with his work ethic and performance (which he has so far and I have no doubt he will continue to do so) that is. He is the face of the franchise, and it starts with him and goes from there.

But I don't want to focus on Newton as much as the rest of the team.

I was very impressed with the overall mentality of the team last week. There is definitely something to be said for momentum and having the right attitude in team sports, and it showed against the Bucs for the first time in 2 years.

From the opening kickoff, the Panthers had the look and feel of a team that knew that were suppossed to and were going to win that game. And not only win, but leave no doubt and dominate on both sides of the ball.

Haters are going to say it was the back-up, yada yada. It doesn't matter. This is the NFL. People get hurt. It was an impressive road win after one the previous week.

These last 4 games are very important to the direction of the team next year. As many people pointed out, there are a lot of parallels to this team and the 2002.

The same record after 12 games (4-8), and the look of heading in the right direction. Now of course the 2002 team was becoming a dominant defensive team while the 2011 team is becoming a dominant offensive team.

Still have a lot of work on the other side of the ball, but nothing that a good draft, getting guys back, and another year with the same coaching staff can't fix.

I have been a PSL holder since 2005, and I am happy with the direction of the team for the first time since 2008 (which in hindsight proved to be a mirage).

I expect a 7-9 finish (no worse than 6-10) and I expect the playoffs next year. I, like many true fans on here, have supported this team through a lot of thin the past few years, and I am hopeful we are starting to see our patience and support pay off.

This team is exciting to watch, and it is time to start winning, both down the stretch this year and next year.

The time to rebuild and be content with losing is over. I want a win against the overrated Dirty Birds this week.

The realist in me understands the Saints are right now one of the most well-ran organizations in the NFL who continue to make great personnel moves (Graham, Sproles) along with having a top 3 QB in Brees.

Because of that, I don't think the Panthers are in a position to dominate the NFC South year over year just yet.

But, we already have the 2nd best QB in the division and one who has already proven he is a top 10 QB (and maybe top 5 QB next year).

The Saints should be our only competition for the NFC South starting next year.

[La Pantera]

In before tldr

[Pejorative Miscreant]

When Beason is back healthy next year we will have strong leaders on both sides of the ball. This will go a long way in establishing the winning mindset. and should make the Panthers a very intimidating team on Sunday's.

[rayzor]

newton is taking over the offense just like beason took over the defense his rookie year. by year two there was no doubt that this defense was his. he had gained the respect of the whole team, esp., the defense.

[SpeedOFLight]

I love the upside to this team. I want them to finish out strong. Either 7-9 or better yet 8-8. It is possible. This team has been in every game minus one. If they can continue to execute better and take advantage of every opportunity, we will go places. Just think about it, penalties and poor execution pretty much lost us most of these games. Forget playing for draft position, lets build confidence and get these guys to play at a consistent rate, then watch out the Panthers are back better than ever!