Panthers are ready for the Steelers, primetime spotlight

The Panthers are more than ready.

I hate to make predictions too early, but I feel safe in making this one. The Carolina Panthers are for real. Coming into the season, we did not know what the 2018 addition of the Panthers would look like. Safe to say, it has brought back memories of the successful 2015 season.

This team just has a good vibe to it, one that I certainly did not feel last year. Did the team experience success? Yes, although they do not go as far as Panthers fans would like, they did. Even with the success last year, this year’s team feels different. While last year’s team may have been missing some pieces, this year’s team appears locked and loaded to make a run at the Super Bowl. In less than 24 hours, the Panthers will have the opportunity to show the entire country that they are more than just a flash in the pan.

Speaking to Marcel Louis-Jacques of the Charlotte Observer, rookie cornerback Donte Jackson did not lack any confidence when talking to the media. Of course, that is nothing new for the rookie. If anything, that is status quo. Listening to him speak, I couldn’t help but be even more excited for the game on Thursday. It’s sure to be a great one, and Jackson certainly thinks so.

"“It’s been a lot of battles, a lot of great QBs, a lot of great receiving groups,” Jackson said. “This is another one that we’ve got to face this week. (We’ve) just got to be ready to click on all cylinders. We know that they have a lot of playmakers on that side of the ball and a lot of explosion waiting to happen. They have the guys to do it.”"

Captain Munnerlyn also shared his thoughts on the game Thursday, seeming to have a similar level of excitement.

"“It’s Thursday Night Football, it’s an opportunity for us to go out there and show everybody that we’re for real,” he said. “The 6-2 record is not a fluke. It’s definitely an opportunity for our football team to really show everybody that we’re something serious.”"

I would say both of them are correct in their assessments. When you look at the star power in this game alone, it certainly sets the scene for a great matchup. Cam Newton, James Conner, Antonio Brown, Christian McCaffrey, Devin Funchess, Luke Kuechly, Ben Roethlisberger. Those are just some of the names that you will see on Thursday. What better way to set the stage for a proving ground of sorts for the Panthers. All throughout the off-season, there has been this narrative that the Panthers have gained no respect from the national media. Winning on Thursday would help change all of that.

It’s going to be a blast to watch on Thursday. I’ve been looking forward to this game all year due to the talent in it. With many of the Thursday night games lacking excitement, this one is sure to deliver. Hopefully, it will deliver with a Panthers win as they look to keep pace in the active and competitive NFC South.