Speaking to the media on Monday, Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said more of what we've heard over the last several weeks, but did illuminate on the trade deadline, and the controversial decision not to kick a field goal at the close of the first half.
The decision to not kick the field goal came down to two variables: Firstly, the wind in Chicago which Rivera said was blowing kicks around pre-game, and Justin Medlock's confidence, which also played a role. Saying that he didn't want to "mess with his head". Apply whatever tired cliche about toughness you want, the reality is that Medlock is a kicker who fell out of the NFL largely in part to self-professed confidence issues. The decision to handle him with kid-gloves now, might pay bigger dividends later.
Another key moment in the Rivera presser was discussions surrounding rumored trades of DeAngelo Williams. Forget the fact it doesn't make sense fiscally, rumors have been swirling, and Ron Rivera shot them down saying there had been no discussions with teams about trading Williams. Interestingly, he referred reporters to Brandon Beane on trade talk, which is a departure from his 'buck stops with me' talk last week.
On the injury front Dwan Edwards has a sprained ankle. Knowing the Panthers' luck he'll be on IR by the end of the week.