Panthers celebrate Christmas with playoff guarantee
Carolina Panthers Christmas celebrations extended throughout their roster…
On Christmas Eve the Carolina Panthers clinched a berth in the playoffs although their overall seed will be determined following the regular season finale. Carolina could land anywhere from the No. 2 overall NFC seed with a bye and guaranteed home game, to their current fifth seed.
At number five it is likely the Panthers will travel back to the Superdome for yet another game with divisional rival New Orleans. Having already dropped two games to the Saints, in Weeks 3 and 13, Carolina is extremely familiar with them and the dual rushing attack of rookie Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram.
The Panthers earning their ticket to the payoffs on Christmas Eve provided a special feeling for both fans and players alike. Needless to say, both are relieved a final regular season matchup isn’t going to hinge on a road play-in game with Atlanta.
Carolina is now guaranteed an extension to their season, allowing many players and coaches an opportunity to enjoy a stress free holiday break. Even Coach Ron Rivera’s wife got in on the action posting pics of their traditional family breakfast on Christmas – steak, fried rice.
Having our traditional #Christmas breakfast. #steakfriedrice @RiverboatRonHC @NFL2Ucla @cdr525 pic.twitter.com/SJVtdRUxpB
— Stephanie Rivera (@CoachRiv2) December 25, 2017
Offensive tackle Daryl Williams joined running back Jonathan Stewart and defensive standout Thomas Davis with family pictures posted to social media. Williams had a nice photo of he and his wife with Stewart and Davis following suit as they each provided heartfelt messages for the season.
More from Cat Crave
- Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023
- 4 remaining Carolina Panthers cap crunches after Damien Wilson release
- Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
- How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?
- 4 Panthers rumors to emerge from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
Fellow running back Christian McCaffrey, cornerback Daryl Worley, receiver Damiere Byrd and defensive tackle Vernon Butler all also expressed their feelings about the Christmas holiday via Twitter.
A celebration of time with family, friends, good food and fellowship has been enhanced this season with the Panthers improved play. Last year, Carolina had just six wins by Christmas and failed to win their final game of the year at Tampa Bay.
Hopefully, the Buccaneers may assist Carolina with another season finale victory this year. If so, the Panthers would finish their regular season as the No. 4 seed and host a home playoff game.
If not, Carolina likely will travel to New Orleans in the playoffs and face a divisional rival for the third time this season.