The match against the Buccaneers will take place at 4:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcasted on ABC/ESPN. So far the Panthers have clinched their own playoff spot. The stakes are incredibly high for this special encounter, particularly after they snapped a four-year postseason drought with their Week 17 triumph over the Atlanta Falcons.
At his post-game press conference on Saturday, Coach Dave Canales described the importance of the game to come. He called it the league’s “championship window.” Veteran long snapper JJ Jansen pictured the morale in the locker room. He pointed to a palpable excitement that he hadn’t felt in seven years as they neared the regular-season home stretch.
Guard Taylor Moton was a rookie on the Panthers’ last post-season football in 2017. Now, he’s looking forward to it just as much.
“It’s a huge opportunity to go to the playoffs,” – Taylor Moton
Their most recent performance—their 21-3 shellacking of the Buccaneers—should leave the Panthers confident. They squeaked by Tampa Bay 23-20 in Week 16. This triumph might provide them the mental advantage going into this week’s battle. This knowledge of their rivals’ weaknesses and strengths may be key as Sean Dyche’s men attempt to win just their first top-flight title since 2015.
The addition of electric running back Chuba Hubbard only adds to the excitement. He’s been very introspective about the trip that got the squad to this magnificent second.
“Me and [corner] Jaycee [Horn] were just talking in practice about the highs and lows and everything it took to get to this point.” – Chuba Hubbard
Hubbard’s sentiment should be familiar to any player who knows just how precious opportunities like this can be. Jansen highlighted that while many teams are already preparing for offseason activities, the Panthers still have everything to play for as they approach the decisive game against Tampa Bay.
“There’s a lot of teams that wish they were in our position. A lot of them are packing up and getting ready to leave [for the offseason]. We still have something to play for.” – JJ Jansen
The Panthers’ offensive ineptitude against Seattle made it worrisome heading into this next game. Young’s game, which produced a mere 54 passing yards, was undoubtedly the nadir of his young career. Right now, he’s focused on the Buccaneers. Most importantly, it’s paramount for him to get back to his 2021 form and develop a rapport with his WRs.
The Panthers defense may soon have to face offensive lineman Robert Hunt again. He’s been on the mend since a torn biceps injury he suffered in Week 2. His return would be a huge boost to the team as they desperately attempt to set the ground for a more consistent and deadly offense.
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