Sports Passion The Magazine Volume 1, Issue 2 (November 2013) | Page 6

Playoff Expectations Are On The Rise T he Carolina Panthers were impressive in their (34-10) win against the Atlanta Falcons on November 3rd. The team gave their fans belief that playoff chances are once again returning to the city of Charlotte. Winners of four straight games, the Panthers are finding their footing and it could mean that they may find what it takes to get into the postseason this year. The team is constantly showing a physical and mental toughness, that they will not back down from any opponent. This would explain the recent scuffles during Sports Passion Magazine | 6 games this season and the nearly $50,000 fine that was handed down by the NFL after the Panthers vs. St. Louis Rams game. Cam Newton has been exceptional lately and is setting the tone for his team on offense, but Luke Kuechly and the Panthers’ defense has been the key. The Panthers’ monster defense has been dominant throughout their run and has the team in the position they are currently in. Head coach, Ron Rivera is hearing the talks on him been replaced, quieting down a bit. While the Carolina Panthers are on the right track to make into the playoffs, Rivera continues to preach to his team that they must take one game at a time. The Panthers currently sit on a 5-3 record and look to take on an aggressive San Francisco 49ers in their ninth game of the season. A win on November 10th, against the 49ers could take the Panthers’ playoff exceptions into another gear. While we wait in anticipation of seeing the Carolina Panthers name included as a playoff seed, let’s not forget the season is far from over and that the Panthers need their fans more now than ever. www.sportspassion.net