The idea that the Carolina Panthers would be vying for a playoff spot despite being 5-8-1 would have been laughable at one time.
However, as the 2014 NFL season draws to a close… no one is laughing.
The Panthers will not only have a say in who from their division will feature in the wildcard games, they may head into post-season themselves as the 4th seeded team in the NFC.
Rapid Recap | #Panthers defeat #Buccaneers : http://t.co/EY0PL0f1KE pic.twitter.com/4VW8xukG9P
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 14, 2014
It was a defeat of the comatose Tampa Bay Buccaneers that gifted the Carolina Panthers the opportunity. The most shocking aspect of this game is that the Bucs, despite their 2-12 record weren’t that far off from having a shot at the playoffs themselves at one point.
This should give you an idea of just what type of madness the Carolina Panthers is party to as a part of the NFC South. It is a division that has gone far beyond being something to laugh at into the realm of something to scratch one’s head at.
The Carolina Panthers could finish the season with less wins than losses, and not only go to the playoffs , but by some strange twist of fate, win the Super Bowl.
At 5-8-1, the Carolina Panthers are now alone in first atop the NFC South. pic.twitter.com/8xD4XDmxrj
— NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS) December 14, 2014
It’s the only positive outlook among a growing sea of rage at the idea that a losing team will automatically be gifted a playoff spot, even as teams with better records have their playoff dreams shattered.
However, the Carolina Panthers may no longer participate in what can only be described as a race to the bottom. Losing their quarterback Cam Newton for at least a week following a scary car accident seems to have inspired the Panthers to be better.
They may want to “win it all” in his honor, which could suddenly motivate this Carolina team to rise above the terrible expectations placed on the NFC South division winner. If this becomes the case, the Carolina Panthers could morph into something of a dark horse. Even with an otherwise terrible finish to their regular season.
One thing that can be said for the NFC South: They appear to have inspired the NFL administration to consider making some changes . Although there is chaos throughout the division, the Carolina Panthers seem to have emerged the most stable team. For now.
The New Orleans Saints are no doubt eyeing the perch that the Atlanta Falcons have tumbled off of. To take it away from the Panthers, they’ll have to get past the Chicago Bears. And it’s not like the Bears are in a hurry to be embarrassed again, after suffering an upset at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys .
When the dust settles Monday night, NFL fans may know whether or not the Carolina Panthers have a decent shot at taking the division.
Who do you think will win the NFC South title?
[Image Credit: Keith Allison ]