Panthers QB Cam Newton

RE: Reflections on possibility of Super Bowl
“A lot of people are viewing it wrong. We’re not one game away. We have a game that’s the most important game this year because it’s the next game. We’re not worried about the Super Bowl. That’s irrelevant. Right now we’re focused on the Arizona Cardinals.”

RE: What have you proven making it this far?
“We haven’t proven anything. We already knew how we would have played. At this time, we’re just trying to get cool points from you guys. I know you guys didn’t pick us. It’s all right. We don’t play for you guys. Don’t take offense. Our main objective is for the men in that huddle to find ways to win football games.”

RE: Watching the lead shrink in the second half
“There were a lot of guys playing with the butts tight. Coaches with the butts tight. At one point fans and myself were butt tight too, but you just have to find ways to get your groove back going and we need a little bit more of that next Sunday.”

RE: On making fun of Thomas Davis on for being on the hands team
“I did. I was always wondering why I’m not on the hands team. I catch the ball every single shotgun snap … I’m telling you, these hands are tailgate approved, much appreciated, no gloves either, know what I’m saying? No artificial, just straight organic hands. You don’t see that a lot of times, this day in age. We keep trying to tell Coach Shula, just give me a chance. Hopefully.

RE: Feel bad for making fun of Davis?
“I don’t feel bad. TD is Charlotte’s sweetheart.”

RE: Conservative game plan in second half due to score?
“I’m not sure. I’m not the play caller. I don’t want to be the play caller. My job is to execute whatever the play caller calls.”

RE: Victory lap
“It was something that was brought to my attention last year. In our franchise history we’re notorious for keeping traditions going and from what I know every single time the Panthers won a playoff game at home we do our job with thanking the fans and that was just a little nugget. Those guys, their efforts didn’t go unnoticed. We’re going to need them more than ever next week.”

RE: Message to fans for next week.
“Whatever you guys did today, do it again times 2, 3,4,5,6,7 … They say to get something that you never got you have to do something you’ve never done. For us, we’ve never had that vibe in the streets of Charlotte and I expect nothing less than what we saw today. It was an unbelievable atmosphere. Seeing a bunch of white towels flying around. Our guys playing with so much enthusiasm, that’s the thing about playoff football. I was describing to my family yesterday while watching the Patriots game and the cameras panned the fans, you don’t get that Week 2, Week 4, Week 16. It’s just something different when you’re playing in a playoff game. It brings a different type of aura to the game.”