Being a heavy favorite is not always a blessing for the Carolina Panthers.
If the playoffs started today, the Carolina Panthers would occupy the first wildcard position and travel in round one. For a team winning only one road game so far this season, it wouldn’t be an ideal scenario but if the Panthers hope to change things they’re going to need some wins away from Bank of America Stadium to finish the year.
They get another opportunity on Sunday at the Detroit Lions. Despite an embarrassing loss at Pittsburgh last week, the Panthers are looking to rebound against a Lions team that has dropped three in a row and four of their last six.
According to the team website, analyst from media outlets across the country are all picking the Panthers to regroup and win their seventh game of the season. It would be their second on the road after needing to overcome the largest fourth-quarter deficit in franchise history for the first – a dramatic Week 7 comeback in Philadelphia.
Forty different individuals all selected Carolina to win. It was the second time this year when the Panthers have swept the picks and emerged as unanimous favorites. After starting the season 2-1 and coming off a bye week, Carolina was “guaranteed” one other victory early in the year.
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Facing the New York Giants, at home, the Panthers led 20-13 at halftime but after allowing a touchdown under the two-minute warning, they trailed by one. Quarterback Cam Newton orchestrated a drive that barely broke into Giants territory, reaching the 45-yard line. In lieu of attempting a Hail Mary pass attempt, coach Ron Rivera sent Graham Gano in for a 63-yard field goal attempt.
Fortunately, it was good and the Panthers won the football game but being picked as unanimous favorites didn’t guarantee Carolina anything. If they want to win again, they’ll need another solid effort and can’t overlook any opponent.
The loss last week should have both sides of the football – offense and defense – prepared and focused for a victory.
Hopefully, one that doesn’t require a career long field goal attempt for the win as time expires.