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Ron Rivera has added incentive for Carolina Panthers return to the playoffs

By Brandon Scott

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers calls for a time out during the second half of a NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 3, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The New Orleans Saints won the game 31 - 21. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers calls for a time out during the second half of a NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 3, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The New Orleans Saints won the game 31 - 21. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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A surprising reason Ron Rivera aims the Carolina Panthers toward a playoff return this season.

Ron Rivera has arguably led the Carolina Panthers through their most successful string of seasons during his tenure as a first-time head coach. Getting the opportunity after John Fox followed his final playoff appearance in Carolina with 8-8 and 2-14 seasons, the latter led to a change.

Enter Rivera and quarterback Cam Newton, who was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. The two have worked tirelessly together, winning three consecutive divisional championships from 2013-15 and again reaching the playoffs following the 2017 season.

Under new ownership, Rivera continued to operate but a 7-9 overall record with seven consecutive losses likely didn’t leave David Tepper feeling great about his investment. If the pressure wasn’t already applied, there’s another reason for Rivera and the Panthers to find success this year.

After completing 2018 as the focus for the third installment of Amazon’s ‘All or Nothing’ series, Rivera isn’t interested in doing another all access show. Cameras and crew members followed the team last season creating an entertaining inside look at how the year transpired. While the opportunity gives fans a different perspective, Rivera hopes his team isn’t the subject of a similar undertaking anytime soon.

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However, if the Panthers fail to qualify for the playoffs and Rivera survives any potential coaching change, Carolina would be required to submit for the HBO series, ‘Hard Knocks’. A similar type show, this series follows a team through the preseason and roster cuts, highlighting the difficult decisions made behind closed doors on a number of players.

Currently, the Oakland Raiders are being recorded with a series premiere scheduled for August 6 at 10:00pm ET. Having outsiders with cameras back inside the Panthers facilities so soon may provide a little extra incentive for Rivera to make a fifth playoff appearance.

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While there’s no guarantee HBO would select Carolina, having Newton and the potential story lines of a new contract and what would definitely be a win or go home year for Rivera would be hard to top.

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