After the Carolina Panthers had won their first handful of games this season, safety Roman Harper shrugged. He was on the 2009 Super Bowl-winning Saints that started 13-0, so something like 5-0 or 8-0 wasn't all that impressive.

Three wins later?

"I'm still not impressed, it's just 11," a smiling Harper said Friday.

He's one of the dwindling few.

Thursday's drubbing of Dallas was viewed by the NFL's biggest television audience since 2011. Many have doubted the Panthers throughout the season, but with each passing week and win, more are accepting this isn't a mirage. That includes some inside the locker room.

"I think guys feel pretty good about where we're at," tight end Greg Olsen said. "Probably the understatement of the year."

"I think guys feel confident in our approach, they feel confident that our processes work, our preparation works. When you feel confident that the work you put in all week gives you a chance on Sunday, that confidence builds."

The Panthers are allowing themselves the weekend to appreciate the present. After meetings Friday morning, they took off for what's essentially a mini-bye weekend. When they return to work on Tuesday, they'll check in on defensive end Mario Addison and defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, who each suffered sprained ankles in Dallas.

While there's plenty ahead, for the next few days, at least, they'll enjoy 11-0.

"Nothing. And I'm super-psyched about it," Olsen said, when asked how he planned to spend his time off.

"I'll wake up on Sunday morning and just be a football fan. Just sit around, watch games and know that our work for the week is done."