Despite Carolina's loss to the Falcons this week, Carolina is a shoe in for the playoffs and anyone who wants to say something bring it on (Atl, Na leans, Tampa boo!). We are 8-3 and you can argue passing stats, defense or whatever but we know that the most important stat is the W. There are only 2 other teams out there with better records. While going over the upcoming schedule I can safely assume to take 4 out of the next 5. Greenbay will be tough in Greenbay, but Carolina is too raw for Arod. Denver is hit and miss and there running game is a crap shoot not to mention we got them at home.
The Giants matchup is the one that worries me. I haven't found too many discrepancies on this team and its at NY. Watch this game close though, it could be a preview to the NFC Championship game. I think we have the talent to beat them, but Carolina has to come out of the gates swinging and swinging hard. We can't sit on our hands as with Atl and Tampa. It will definitely be a great matchup especially defensively.
New Orleans was handled earlier this season like a big brother handles a kid brother. I know Brees is capable of explosive offense and the media is all on his junk, but Fox and staff have the Saints number. They were tossed around by the Panthers like high schoolers playing middle schoolers. I'm not worried about this matchup at all.
Ok so you can't buy 4 out of the next 5. Lets say Brees goes down in a flame of glory in NO in week 17 and throws for 700 yards or we take a hit in Greenbay and only take 3 out of 5. 11-5 is definitely first round playoff bye.
Ok so I admit Tampa has a shot too but only because they have the same record and honestly, I don't know how they do it. They have come back late in many games to win. I for one thought Kansas City had put the nails in the coffin a couple of weeks ago. The feud between coach and qb is a mystery to all and yet they still continue to win. (Imagine Donovan McNabb in Tampa)... Scary. Tampa does have a pretty stout defense and the defense and special teams are what I think Carolina needs to take it all the way to the Superbowl.
Regardless, Carolina will and I repeat will end up with the best record in the NFC south. Tampa has 3 divisional games coming up and with the NFC south tightening up the way it is, I just don't think they have the offense or the magic to continue coming back late in games to beat out the Panthers (and keep in mind we have them at home this next matchup).
And hats off to Matt Ryan and the Falcons. I would have never guessed they would have done so well will a new qb and rb in their offensive system. However they also have a tough road ahead. And even though I want to see Brees and Lance Moore (they're on my fantasy team) light it up every game the rest of the season like they did this past Monday night, they have 3 divisional games as well coming up.
To all who don't know, now you know. Tune in next time for more Panthers "on the prowl" and I will also chime in on my fantasy picks. Sayonara suckers!
