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david newton
Charlotte, NC — carolina panthers quarterback bryce young And other players began telling teammates to step up against next week’s potential winner-take-all NFC South showdown tampa bay buccaneers Earlier on Sunday, Panthers coach Dave Canales addressed lost 27-10 till Seattle Seahawks,
The message wasn’t about ruining the opportunity to clinch the division, which the Bucs lost. miami dolphins 20-17But about the opportunity ahead.
“The reality of our situation will only matter next week,” the Panthers defense said. nick scott Said. “I know we’ve said it all year, but really we’ve got one game left, and that’s it for everything.”
Despite failing to win consecutive games since mid-October, the 8-8 Panthers can clinch the NFC South title with a win or tie next weekend at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
7-9 books, who have Lost four games in a row and seven out of last eightCan claim their fifth straight division title with a win that would keep both teams tied at 8-9.
“We know what’s ahead of us,” Canales said. “It’s clearly defined.”
panthers guard Austin Corbett Emphasized the joy that comes from being in the playoff race at the conclusion of the regular season.
“I constantly remind guys, just have fun,” Corbett said. “As stressful as football is, as hard as it takes on the body, it’s the most fun you’ll have in this life, I guarantee it.”
“This is the message [Canales] Give sermons continuously. it’s all about us. It’s always going to be about us, and that’s not going to change. And here we are in Week 18…This moment is about us.”
The Panthers have not had a winning season or made the playoffs since 2017. They can do both with a win over a Tampa Bay team that they defeated 23–20 on December 21 at Bank of America Stadium.
Knowing that there is going to be some relief from Sunday’s loss.
“I’m super confident,” Pro Bowl cornerback jessie horn Said about the Panthers’ chances against the Bucs. “I know the kind of work I’ve done, the kind of work they’ve done to get ready for Sunday, so it’s about getting back to that, putting a little extra in this week, knowing what the risk is.”
Sunday could have been a decisive situation had Horn not been called for a facemask penalty, giving the Seahawks an automatic first down on third-and-21 in the fourth quarter with Carolina trailing 17-10. The same can be said about two significant turnovers in the third quarter. after mike jacksonInterception in the end zone, running back Chuba Hubbard Fumbled, causing Seattle to punt. On the next series, Young’s badly thrown ball was intercepted, setting up another Seahawks touchdown.
The Panthers are eager to correct those mistakes, rather than dwell on the “what ifs” of losing. they did not know tampa bay game results – And how that loss put Carolina in position to win the match – until the game was over.
“We’re not dealing with hypotheticals,” said Young, who had a career-low 54 yards against a Seattle defense that used more man-to-man coverage than he had all season. “We were all about getting another win today.
“We couldn’t do it. That sucks. But the lesson is we have another chance.”
The opportunity will come without starting tight end jatavian sandersWho broke his ankle in the first game of the season at the end of the season. But even Sanders, riding into the locker room on a scooter, was smiling after the loss.
“It’s a testament to the kind of leaders we have in this locker room, the mentality we have,” Horn said. “So, we’re looking forward to next week.”
And the Panthers aren’t looking forward as if they have the advantage since they already have a win over the Bucs.
“There’s no advantage based on results,” Young said. “It’s going to be a big challenge for us.”
“Nobody’s happy about today. But you’ve got to turn the page. …So, we’ve got to start the playoffs a week early.”
