We owe Baker Mayfield a thank you

[keasley45]

His late game INT could be a game changer of sorts in terms of the urgency with which the Panthers will approach our game next week. Had they lost, our game against them would carry significantly more weight than it does now with them having bested the Bucs.

With the win, whether they win or lose against us means little as they can still win their division if they win their week 18 rematch against the Bucs. You can say what you want about teams wanting to win every game, but the reality is when things start to turn a certain way in a matchup and you know inside losing doesn't matter this week, it's much easier to shut it down mentally and physically vs having to win and playing as though there is no tomorrow.

The Hawks on the other hand have everything to play for. For one, there's been a constant drumbeat of 'yeah... But' coming out of the win Thursday night that I am sure they will want to stomp down. 2nd, a loss next week would be a night are scenario for their quest for the 1 seed and their matchup against the 9ers in week 18.

In the NFL, when teams are looking for every advantage they can possibly get, being handed an emotional edge is HUGE.

Thank you, Mr Mayfield.

 

[JonRud]

The Panthers can win the NFC South on Sunday with a win and a TB loss at Miami. the way TB has played (lost 6 of 7) this is certainly not impossible. I expect Carolina to go all out in this one, unless TB gets up like 28-0 on Miami in the 3rd quarter or something and word trickles to the sideline that the game doesn't mean anything to Carolina so let's pull some guys and get ready for the division title game in Week 18.

I understand your theory, but with a chance to win the NFC South this Sunday, I don't see Carolina taking the 'less urgent' route unless it's clear in the 2nd half that Tampa is going to beat Miami. they would much rather wrap up the division this week and be able to 'take it easy' in Week 18 to get ready for the wildcard game.

 

[keasley45]

The Panthers can win the NFC South on Sunday with a win and a TB loss at Miami. the way TB has played (lost 6 of 7) this is certainly not impossible. I expect Carolina to go all out in this one, unless TB gets up like 28-0 on Miami in the 3rd quarter or something and word trickles to the sideline that the game doesn't mean anything to Carolina so let's pull some guys and get ready for the division title game in Week 18.

I understand your theory, but with a chance to win the NFC South this Sunday, I don't see Carolina taking the 'less urgent' route unless it's clear in the 2nd half that Tampa is going to beat Miami. they would much rather wrap up the division this week and be able to 'take it easy' in Week 18 to get ready for the wildcard game.

I suppose that could happen, but there was even an article written in the last day or so that said the Panthers might even use our game to get healthy if there are players dinged up that could use the rest.

All I am saying is I can absolutley see them turning things down a notch in a physical game against us that demands they run through a brick wall to win... When getting to the point where you go that far might jeopardize your chances to win the following week.

Week 18 is their everything and will establish their momentum going into the playoffs. I can't see them scratching and clawing like they have everything on the line if we get up 2 scores in the 2nd half.

 

[LeveeBreak]

I suppose that could happen, but there was even an article written in the last day or so that said the Panthers might even use our game to get healthy if there are players dinged up that could use the rest.

All I am saying is I can absolutley see them turning things down a notch in a physical game against us that demands they run through a brick wall to win... When getting to the point where you go that far might jeopardize your chances to win the following week.

Week 18 is their everything and will establish their momentum going into the playoffs. I can't see them scratching and clawing like they have everything on the line if we get up 2 scores in the 2nd half.

My thoughts align with J Rud. But if the Bucs actually rest players, I agree with your initial assertion.

I don't think MacDaddy would take that approach if we were in the same situation...which is a distinct possibility if SF loses tonight.

 

[JonRud]

I hope the Seahawks are not viewing it this way. The Panthers are a young team that has been one of the worst NFL franchises for the past 8 seasons. they have a chance to beat the best team in the NFL and possibly win a divsion title on Sunday. I think they will be playing 110% to win this game unless it becomes clear that Tampa has won their game and they have injured guys they want to pull out.

if they can win the division this week, why would they 'turn it down a notch' and risk losing and then possibly lose in Tampa? it's very hard to beat a divisional opponent twice in 3 weeks. most likely Tampa is going to win the re-match. if Car can win the division this week they will go all out to do so.

that being said, the Seahawks are a better team than Carolina and should (and need to) beat them. I am just not buying the narrative that Carolina is not going all out in this game. I think that is a dangerous theory (not that I think the Seahawks think that at all).

Carolina has already beaten the Rams, Packers and Tampa. they are confident and think they can beat anyone.

The Bucs are not resting anyone on Sunday. if they lose and Carolina wins they are eliminated. they are playing for their lives.

 

[Tusc2000]

If you look back over the last 9 weeks, the Panthers have a strange pattern of winning every other week. This is their week to post an L.

 

[Optimus25]

The Panthers can win the NFC South on Sunday with a win and a TB loss at Miami. the way TB has played (lost 6 of 7) this is certainly not impossible. I expect Carolina to go all out in this one, unless TB gets up like 28-0 on Miami in the 3rd quarter or something and word trickles to the sideline that the game doesn't mean anything to Carolina so let's pull some guys and get ready for the division title game in Week 18.

I understand your theory, but with a chance to win the NFC South this Sunday, I don't see Carolina taking the 'less urgent' route unless it's clear in the 2nd half that Tampa is going to beat Miami. they would much rather wrap up the division this week and be able to 'take it easy' in Week 18 to get ready for the wildcard game.

TB ain’t losing to Miami. Everybody knows that.

 

[JonRud]

TB ain’t losing to Miami. Everybody knows that.

probably not but not impossible. the Raiders won in New England in week 1. TB is playing terrible football.