Panthers, must stay focused on goals; forget distractions

The Carolina Panthers must stay focused on their goals

This has been a tough week for the Carolina Panthers. Despite beating the New York Giants to remain undefeated and advance to 14-0 on the season, the events that transpired in that game have made the days following the win, somewhat of a mini nightmare.

To start the week off, coach Ron Rivera banned the team’s ritual of carrying a bat on game day after video

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera and quarterback Cam Newton (1) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. The Carolina Panthers remain undefeated with a 38-0 win over Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

surfaced of a practice player, Marcus Ball, exchanging words with Odell Beckham Jr during pregame warm ups. After that, cornerback Josh Norman was hit with a $26,000 fine for his part in the in-game scuffles with Becham.

In the end, this all leads to one big distraction for the organization as they head to Atlanta to take on divisional rival, the Falcons, in week 16.

Add the distractions this week with other dust ups that have occurred this season and the Panthers’ near loss to the Giants makes it seems as though the Panthers might be losing their focus. With only two games before the playoffs start, it is important that Carolina remained focused on the goal at hand.

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Having soundly defeated Atlanta two weeks ago, 38-0, the Panthers are heavily favored to do it again this week, but the Panthers must make sure that they do not create a repeat of last weeks’ game. If last weeks’ close call is not enough motivation going into the game, then hopefully the fact that they can clinch home field advantage with a win, will do the trick.

If Carolina can do their part in putting this past week behind them and shifting their focus on finishing this season strong, the Panthers should finish the regular season undefeated and still have a shot at the ultimate goal for the season – advancing and winning the Super Bowl. Look for coach Ron Rivera to get his team back on track against Atlanta.