It's hard not to get swept up in the Carolina Panthers' upcoming occasion. One more win at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18 will clinch the NFC South for the first time in a decade. Even if they lose, they might still make the playoffs if the Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints.
That's outside of their control. Destiny is in their hands for now, and the message being sent throughout the locker room is to focus on the task at hand. Considering the Buccaneers are 1-7 in their last eight contests, they will never get a better opportunity to turn the tide.
Fans are nervous. But the message from head coach Dave Canales, delivered before preparations for Saturday's clash began, was precisely what the team's long-suffering supporters needed to believe at such a critical time.
Dave Canales urges Carolina Panthers players to seize their moment in Week 18
Canales is relishing the moment. He's calling on his players to have the discipline needed to avoid any unnecessary distractions in the coming days. This is all that matters right now, and the coach will learn a lot more about his players when this week is over.
"It requires a discipline to block out external distractions, different things that might take you away from your normal preparation physically, mentally, emotionally, just making sure that we get ourselves fresh and completely prepared so we can be confident and fast on game day. This is truly it. This is what you preach about, and it's a great reminder for the group, and I just, I can't wait to get the guys back in the building tomorrow so we can get right to it with the game plan."Dave Canales via Panthers.com
This is a new experience for most in Carolina's locker room. The Panthers have languished among the bottom feeders for years, so these massive moments in high-pressure situations are only going to serve them well in the years ahead. Even so, getting the job done is crucial.
The Panthers have come this far. They have remained resolute and bounced back from defeats positively in the past. Canales wants this trend to continue, and he will be policing everyone in his quest to secure a first postseason berth since 2017.
Tampa Bay doesn't think it deserves this chance to win the division after such a disastrous end to the campaign. They also believe Carolina is an inferior team, despite the Panthers beating them at Bank of America Stadium in Week 16. The margins are razor-thin, and it'll take supreme determination, meticulous planning, and the ability to hold anxiety in check to get over the line.
There will be no tomorrow. Canales knows it, and he is embracing the moment.
His players should follow suit.