Dave Canales wanted to see a positive response from his players. The Carolina Panthers got complacent heading into their Week 10 game against the New Orleans Saints, and they paid a heavy price. This also provided everyone in the building with the wake-up call they needed at a critical time.
Standards slipped, but not for long. The Panthers came out against the Atlanta Falcons with renewed purpose, and they once again displayed their resolve in the clutch to come away with a stunning overtime victory.
With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers losing to the Buffalo Bills, the Panthers are now just half a game from the NFC South summit.