Music blared from the speaker in Mike Tolbert's locker.

The running backs laughed while Philly Brown danced.

Later, Devin Funchess showed off his own moves.

None of it was new.

Music has blasted and players have danced around the Carolina Panthers' locker room for the better part of two seasons now. That it was still happening Thursday is important.

"It goes back to talking about their personality. This is who these young men are," coach Ron Rivera said.

There should be heaps of pressure on the Panthers this week. After a 15-1 season, going one-and-done in the playoffs would be a disaster. But as they've prepared for their divisional round battle with Seattle, tension has been noticeably absent.

To be clear, having a good time doesn't mean a lack of focus. The Panthers proved this year that you can have fun and still win. If they don't on Sunday, it won't be because they were dancing during the week.

"They're loose, they're working hard, they're preparing hard," Rivera said. "I like the fact that they had the bye week. We were able to do some work. I think the guys have focused in on improving, and again, I think they believe they understand what the task at hand is. I thought it was a good practice again today.

"I think this is all part of who they are. As long as we're practicing and we're focusing the way we need to, this is just part of it. It's about not getting tight, not being uptight. It's about being focused and prepared."