Cat Crave
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Deck stacked against the wild card Panthers

By Brandon Scott

NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 16: Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers dives for a touchdown during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 16, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 16: Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers dives for a touchdown during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 16, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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The Carolina Panthers playoffs begin against an all too familiar opponent…

Beginning with the NFL Draft, all other teams, their fans and the Carolina Panthers start to think about hoisting the Lombardi Trophy to end their upcoming season. Throughout the offseason every team has the same record and hope abounds for all 32 teams prior to kickoff.

The same feelings now apply but only to a handful of teams. Twenty of the league’s 32 have seen their hopes dashed throughout the year and now only 12 remain. Carolina is one of those after a season of adversity both on and off the field.

Panthers fans have been skeptical all year due to the team’s inconsistencies on offense, in the secondary and outside distractions created through interactions with the media, playing time and an owner investigation and pending sale of the franchise.

Through it all Carolina has been consistent in one area – WINNING.

Regardless of what has occurred surrounding this team, the Panthers continue finding ways to win football games amidst adversity. Offense struggles, the defense comes through. Defensive issues, special teams or a key offensive play sparks the sideline. Quarterback Cam Newton has orchestrated three game-winning drives, including Week 16 to punch their ticket to the playoffs.

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Over the final month of regular season play the Panthers went 3-1 as no NFC playoff team won their final four games. Carolina’s first-round opponent, New Orleans, only won two of their last four and just half of their final six but will be favored at home.

It is often argued how difficult it is to beat a team three times during the course of one-year, a hopeful thought for Carolina but an unfortunate misconception. Only seven times since 1970 has this happened in twenty opportunities.

The Saints are  7-1 at home, losing only their first game in the Superdome to New England and have beaten Carolina twice already this season. According to Pro Football Focus, the Saints have the best chance for reaching the Super Bowl of any NFC team playing this weekend. Coach Ron Rivera and Newton have won just three of their seven games inside the Superdome.

Next: Final Regular Season Grades - Defense

Odds do not favor the Panthers, but they didn’t in New England, Detroit or against Minnesota this season either.

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