The Panthers are a fun team to root for when it doesn't impact the Seahawks adversely. They have reminded me of the Hawks off and on for years. Only in recent years have we begun to separate ourselves, at least in the national eye. Neither team is considered a big market, both teams have had talented players, tough defenses and gritty wins through the years. In year's past, we've been far more alike than not.
Now we distinguish ourselves as defending champions. We have what the Panthers' want. We know too well, what it feels like to long for a Lombardi. Panther fans may find themselves saying what I used to say...
"Just one. Give me one ring before my time is up."
Of course, now that we are knocking on the door for the possibility to play for a second ring, back-to-back, one ring isn't quite what it used to be.
Look, we can pound our chests until we are blue and green in the face but the cold hard fact of the matter is the Panthers play us tough. Yes, we've beaten them 3 times in their house the past three years straight, but each game was a dogfight. They remind me of the Rams in how yes, we will most likely win, but they won't make it easy.
Expect the same Saturday. They are coming in with confidence. They are playing with house money and they know it. That alone should be cause for some concern. I anticipate a close game because they will be playing like they have nothing to lose. I expect their defense to give us fits on offense in the first half.
Unfortunately for the Panthers, while they have a #10 defense, we have not only the league's #1 defense, but they are being compared nationally to the best defenses to ever play the game. Ever.
And did I mention we are at home, especially in the playoffs which is undoubtedly the single most difficult environment in all of football for opposing teams to try to scrape out a win? 12's, meet Cam. Cam, meet 12's.
I expect a nerve-wracking first half where the inevitable halftime adjustments occur and Wilson, Lynch, the 12's and the #1 defense will simply bare the fruit of inevitability in the end.
Aros' Fearless Prediction: Seahawks 17 - Panthers 13
Aros' Fearless Record: 12-4
Now we distinguish ourselves as defending champions. We have what the Panthers' want. We know too well, what it feels like to long for a Lombardi. Panther fans may find themselves saying what I used to say...
"Just one. Give me one ring before my time is up."
Of course, now that we are knocking on the door for the possibility to play for a second ring, back-to-back, one ring isn't quite what it used to be.
Look, we can pound our chests until we are blue and green in the face but the cold hard fact of the matter is the Panthers play us tough. Yes, we've beaten them 3 times in their house the past three years straight, but each game was a dogfight. They remind me of the Rams in how yes, we will most likely win, but they won't make it easy.
Expect the same Saturday. They are coming in with confidence. They are playing with house money and they know it. That alone should be cause for some concern. I anticipate a close game because they will be playing like they have nothing to lose. I expect their defense to give us fits on offense in the first half.
Unfortunately for the Panthers, while they have a #10 defense, we have not only the league's #1 defense, but they are being compared nationally to the best defenses to ever play the game. Ever.
And did I mention we are at home, especially in the playoffs which is undoubtedly the single most difficult environment in all of football for opposing teams to try to scrape out a win? 12's, meet Cam. Cam, meet 12's.
I expect a nerve-wracking first half where the inevitable halftime adjustments occur and Wilson, Lynch, the 12's and the #1 defense will simply bare the fruit of inevitability in the end.
Aros' Fearless Prediction: Seahawks 17 - Panthers 13
Aros' Fearless Record: 12-4
