The Carolina Panthers 2014 season has been one for the books.
It has been as up-and-down as Kelvin Benjamin’s catching ability.
As dramatic as Josh Norman’s turnaround.
As shocking as the offensive lines and defensive lines’ comeback.
And as miraculous as Cam Newton’s healing after a life-threatening car wreck.
And through it all, the season has been a dismal dumpster fire, bookended by dominant wins. As mentioned on the ESPN Radio broadcast, this team awoke on the morning of December 7, 2014, with a record of 3-8-1. Today’s thrashing of the Atlanta Falcons with a 34-3 victory caps an incredible story, closing the season on a four game win streak, three against division foes.
This vaulted the Panthers to winning back-to-back NFC South division champions, back-to-back playoff appearances, and back-to-back playoff home games.
Whom should we thank?
Lazy, superficial analysts will point to Newton, the quarterback who has set the world on fire since the New Orleans game three weeks ago. Today was no exception. The stats may not look like he did (10/16, 114 yards passing, 51 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns), but he picked apart a Falcons defense that could not stop him since the opening whistle.
This could not have been achieved without the impressive play by the offensive line in front of him. The young offensive line, given time to gel for this last month, kept Newton clean (only sacked once) and paved the way for 194 yards of total rushing. Thank Byron Bell, Andrew Norwell, Ryan Kalil, Trai Turner, and Mike Remmers.
A closer analysis may show that the pass rush has been the primary reason for the resurgence. On my count, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan hit the turf around 15 times, and was sacked 6 times. Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei may be back to 100 percent, as shown by his performance of 8 tackles and 2 sacks today. Thomas Davis, Charles Johnson, Kony Ealy, Wes Horton, and Kawann Short also joined the sack party.
Or the turnaround could be the product of the secondary’s youth movement, led by Bene Benwikere, Josh Norman, and Tre Boston. The secondary limited the damage made by Roddy White and Julio Jones, who were held without a score. Boston and wily vet Roman Harper punctuated the secondary’s impact, each with an interception for a touchdown.
Ultimately, today’s win was like all their other wins: a true team effort, with game-breaking plays from multiple players. Not just Cam, not just Kuechly, but everyone. Congratulations to the Panthers organization, Ron Rivera and the coaching staff, and the fans, for an amazing season that is just beginning.
Save the lamenting for another day; Shula still sucks, their record still has more losses than wins (7-8-1) and the NFL draft can wait. The Panthers have life again. Everyone's record is 0-0 in the playoffs.
NFC South Champs, baby! We’re going to the playoffs, and bringing the pounding with us!