For the first time in the Ron Rivera era, the Carolina Panthers will head into December with a record that doesn’t feature 3s and 8s.

In his first two seasons, Carolina sputtered to consecutive 3-8 starts. After reversing those numbers in 2013, the Panthers began 3-8 last year, with a tie added in for some variation.

This season, Rivera and the 11-0 Panthers have come out of nowhere to emerge from November as the last unbeaten standing. So instead of facing late-season questions about job security and what’s gone wrong, Rivera’s now fending off chatter that features a 16 and an 0.

"Everybody wants to talk about everything else than the things I want to talk about,” he said Tuesday. "I want to talk about getting ready to play the Saints."

Ahhh, Saints schmaints. Have you seen your upcoming schedule? Hint: Somewhere in Miami, Mercury Morris is nervous.

"I know a lot of people want to talk about what the potential can be. I try to make sure everybody understands you can't get to there until you take care of what's next,” Rivera said.

According to math, that’s a valid point. But here’s three more numbers that may interest you: The Panthers have won seven straight games in December and are 15-3 in the month under Rivera. But the final stretch can be much different when you're no longer the hunter.

"Everybody wants to be the team that turns their season around by beating us,” tight end Greg Olsen said. "We've been in that situation in years past where we were the team that wanted to play the spoiler role and that's a motivating factor."

“Well, now we find ourselves as the team that's being chased, and you have to understand that you're going to get everybody's best shot."

For what it’s worth, “everybody” has a combined record of 26-29. Of the 11 NFC teams currently in the best position to earn playoff spots, only Chicago (.455) and Washington (.363) have an easier strength of schedule. So despite what Rivera tells his team, you’d think some guys would be excited about a final month that consists of the Saints, Falcons, Giants and Bucs.

"It's really just the media,” safety Roman Harper said.

"I hate that New England lost because now everybody wants to talk about us even more."

Oh, come on, the ‘ol “Blame the Media” card?

"We all know it’s only ink for the media,” quarterback Cam Newton said.

Humph.

"We aren't trying to get lured in by what others may think,” Newton continued.

"Our main focus — and we’re reminded by what coach says — is to become 12-0 first."

That is what Rivera says, and judging by the results, it’s tough to question the effectiveness of his one-game-at-a-time mentality. But while the Panthers avoid looking ahead at what may happen, at least they seem to be enjoying what has happened.

"It's much better being 11-0 than 3-8, trust me,” Olsen said. "Everything's better."