Stretch Run

KEEP ON-- POUNDING

    "Keep On Pounding!"--- this has become the Panthers' battle cry over the past few seasons.  First initiated by popular Panthers linebacker Sam Mills, and immortalized during his fight with cancer, this team mantra has excited and motivated both players and fans.    The focus of this slogan has been the "Pounding", and the team has a tradition before games, when someone who's usually a big fan or celebrity (or both) gets picked to pound a huge drum on the sidelines.

   As the Panthers hit the home stretch, an equally important focus are the words "Keep On"--- it's easy to get ahead of the game, setting our sights on the playoffs, or even the Super Bowl, and allow our attention to be diverted from the most important thing--- the next game.   The Panthers have two more regular season games.  

   For the first three quarters of the Giants game, it appeared that the Panthers were in Super Focus mode--- they were up on the Giants by 35-7, a supposedly unsurmountable lead.  But no one seemed to make that clear to the Giants.   Suddenly, they came back to life.    Giants QB Eli Manning threw three of his four touchdown passes in the second half, and the last one to tie the game at 35-35.   The our own QB--- and Superman-- Cam Newton helped march the Panthers down the field, and set up a game--winning field goal by kicker Graham Gano with no time left on the clock.

   It seemed that although the game itself was dramatic enough in its own right, Panthers CB Josh Norman and Giants' Odell Beckham, Jr. stole the show with their own personal struggle. Both players drew multiple penalties, and Beckham was suspended one game by the NFL for their rough and tough personal battle.

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

  Against the Falcons, we have the opportunity to clinch Home Field Advantage during the playoffs.   This writer thought we would clinch that with a win over the Giants, but it escaped my attention that the Cardinals also had to lose.   Since they didn't cooperate, we still have to win vs. the Falcons to clinch that position.

   Having "Home Field Advantage" is a big plus for this team.  It would be great to be able to stay home during the playoffs.   It would be a big disappointment to lose that advantage and have to travel to Green Bay, Seattle, or Phoenix during the postseason.   Surely, our chances of making the Super Bowl are much better if we get to play at home.

HEALTHY, WEALTHY & WISE

  One of the keys to the postseason will be to stay healthy.   The Panthers are keeping RB Jonathan Stewart on the sidelines right now to rest and recuperate from an ankle injury.  We already lost a starting cornerback.   So far-- besides our star receiver Kelvin Benjamin before the season started-- that's the only major injury to our team.    We need a completely healthy team from here on out to be able to make a run at the Super Bowl.

BUCKLE UP FOR THE PLAYOFFS

   Okay--- hold on-- the next couple of weeks will be somewhat of a downer for me.  I'm hoping that the Panthers' focus is better than mine.   I'm ready for the playoffs to start-- today.  But we will have to wait until January 17 or 18.    Right now, it looks as if we will play the Vikings, Seahawks, or Redskins--- based on who wins the Wild Card playoff games on January 10 / 11.

     Keep your seatbeat buckled and we will soon start the ride of our lives--- to Super Bowl 50.