Black and Blue Review
In hindsight, the Panthers’ 12-4 record last year was a burden.
It brought expectations to a team that hadn’t been to the playoffs in five years. It put pressure on a head coach and young quarterback making their first postseason appearance. It made things tenser than they seem to be this time around.
This year’s Panthers have won five fewer games, but in many ways, they’re better equipped to handle what comes next.
“I think a little bit has to do with experience and understanding,” coach Ron Rivera said Tuesday. “The thing is, we’re somewhere a lot of people didn’t expect us to be, so that’s great.”