Panthers Still Have a Reasonable Playoff Scenario

by Jaxon on Dec 20, 2007 10:50 AM EST in Panther News

Here’s a Panthers playoff scenario that’s not that much of a stretch. The hardest part will be winning the two remaining games against Dallas and Tampa Bay. From there they still need help but the scenario for this week is not unrealistic.

Panthers in playoffs? Bank on it
It might seem as if the Panthers are a long shot to make the playoffs, but if they win their final two regular-season games against Dallas (12-2) and at Tampa Bay (9-5) to finish 8-8, it's pretty much clear sailing to the postseason. Here's a scenario that would work for them:
ON SUNDAY ...
• Philadelphia (6-8) beats New Orleans (7-7)
• Washington (7-7) beats Minnesota (8-6)
THEN ON DEC. 30 ...
• Dallas beats Washington (8-7)
• Chicago beats New Orleans (7-8)
• Denver beats Minnesota (8-7)
In this scenario, the Panthers (8-8), Vikings (8-8) and Redskins (8-8) would be tied for the NFC's sixth and final playoff spot, and Carolina would win the tiebreaker.
See, simple.
If you want to book a flight in advance, the Panthers would be on the road in the first round of the playoffs the weekend of Jan. 5-6. Probably against Seattle. Or maybe Tampa Bay.

The most unlikely part of getting help is the Vikings losing both of their remaining games (especially to Denver). The Vikings are playing well on defense but the offense struggles when forced to pass. I’m shocked that the Panthers even have a chance much less a reasonable chance. If it actually happens as planned this weekend we may actually have something to get excited about next weekend.

Just think if it did happen? The Panthers would be playing the Seahawks whom they just beat or the Bucs whom they would have just beaten in week 17. Again, amazing that given how this season has gone they still have a shot.

With the Cowboys clinched and ailing we have a shot. With our defense playing well we can beat both teams.

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Comments

not gonna happen

It sounds nice and all, but i ain't gonna happen. There are a few things we need to have happen that I don't see happening. We need to get five or six sacks. Good luck with that one Julius "sacks are overrated" Peppers. We'll need at least three interceptions - possible if we let Marshall start. DeAngelo Williams needs to get 20 carries and Smith needs 100 yds and 1 TD. All that is just to beat the Cowboys. I'm confident we're gonna beat the Bucs. That confidence is based completely on a hunch. Either way, I think Fox gets credit if we go 7-9 with the injuries we've had and the problems we've had to fix. Now it's time for me to go research the guys we need to draft. I'll post that later.

by usana_gaines on Dec 20, 2007 1:40 PM EST reply actions

Do the research

and I'll put it on the front page.

With Romo's thumb an issue, Roy Williams suspended and C Anthony Guarode out the Panthers may have all it needs to pull another upset.

by Jaxon on Dec 20, 2007 2:15 PM EST up reply actions

the upset

Well forgive me if it sounds like my keys to Panthers win is a bootleg summary of what you said we need to beat the Seahawks. I don't think Romo's finger will be a problem, but I hope I'm wrong. A couple bad throws can get gobbled up quick by Marshall and Lucas. I have no confidence in Gamble because of his injuries, but if he's healthy, he's a solid tackler and a good cover guy. I hope the difference between Roy Williams and his back-up is similar to the gap between Palomalu and Anthony "the guarantee" Smith. That may enable Smith to break a couple big plays. I'm glad Moore is starting. Drew Carter might be able to make some plays, too. I don't know how Terrence Newman's health is holding up these days, but that secondary without Williams and Newman is pretty weak. I still don't have the confidence that we'll get the running game going, and that we'll get the turnovers. We may be hard pressed to contain TO, Crayton and Witten. It's about running the ball, turnovers and sacks. Excuse me for stating the obvious, but right now, I'm not sure we'll get enough done in those three areas to beat the Cowboys. I hope, though, that we do win, and then the Cowboys have to go to Lambeau in the NFC Championship game and I watch Favre educate Romo en route to the SB.

Then we can look at free agents and the draft. I think we have to take the best OL available in the first two rounds. I also like Colt Brennan. He could compete with Moore for the #2, but I think Jake is our starter for three more years. There will be some good FAs out there, too, but not like last year. I don't think Asante Samuel and Lance Briggs will be good for us. Bob Sanders should get re-signed by the Colts, but if not, he would look good in Carolina. I would also take Alan Faneca and Terrell Suggs. Wishful thinking, I know.

by usana_gaines on Dec 20, 2007 2:29 PM EST up reply actions

Bob Sanders would be an awesome pick-up

He should be our #1 target if the Colts hesitate. We also need a DE to replace Rucker if McClover isn't the answer. I agree though our #1 pick should be a tackle or other OL. If we keep winning though we're going to drop too far down to get one of the elite ones. It's a catch 22.

by Jaxon on Dec 21, 2007 11:35 AM EST up reply actions