Let’s talk playoffs.

Time to put up or shut for the Panthers. You completely hold destiny in your hands. 

With that said and if my figuring is figuring correctly we win the next two and we are in! 

We will be the division winner and the number 5 seed, important why, it means a home playoff game. 

Now our opponent if again my figuring is correct most likely would be the Seahawks… which I would prefer over the 49ers or the Bears the other two most likely candidates. 

So we win the next two and who do we play, the Seahawks! The team play for its life and out most likely opponent. How do we handle that game. Play the starters with our normal game plan? Play the starters without our normal game plan, most most hated thing. Or play the backups with or without?

I really don’t like this game as you never want to stop positive momentum…but…

Actually an unusual situation for a young coach and a gm.

Of course we have to win two first but again our destiny is in our hands. Thoughts?

This division is still up for grabs.  If we win the next two games we'll be 9-6 and the Bucs will be 7-8 - two games back. With two games to play, the division could still end up tied with both teams at 9-8. That means it would go to a tie-breaker. I haven't looked up winning percentages or strength of schedule or common opponents, etc., etc. But the generally accepted "line" is the Panthers would win the Division.

So, OK --- What if we don't win the next two? What if we lose one then lose to Seattle and beat the Bucs at the end.?? What happens then..??  It would all come down to what the Bucs did with their last three games.  We don't HAVE to win the next two. It's not a MUST WIN scenario. Still, the final unfolding could be troublesome. The absolutely "easiest" thing would be for the Panthers to win them all.  The next easiest thing would be for the Bucs to lose them all.  Since I expect neither of those things are going to happen  (You know -- "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.").

Anyway, the Panthers CAN absolutely control their own destiny this year. I LIKE our chances for several reasons, not the least of which is we currently have NO ONE on the injury report.

Should we defeat the Saints and beat the Bucs once we are in with best record in division, second tiebreaker to head to head.

The more troubling (if we make it) would be our opponent and frankly will come down to the last week. I just want to the Seahawks verses the other two teams. I like our chances better. The 49ers already kicked our butts and played a horrible game, we were more horrible and frankly the Bears scare me, I think they can go far.

Going to at least be a little “funner” watching football. 4:25 start tomorrow.

I still say, just beat no. 1game at a time guys.

Lets control our destiny! GO PANTHERS!!!!