One could forgive Carolina Panthers fans for feeling a little downtrodden this week. They were expecting head coach Dave Canales' squad to tighten its grip on the NFC South with a win over the New Orleans Saints. That didn't happen, but there is still plenty to play for over the final three games.
And one respected Panthers veteran delivered the perfect message at the ideal time.
If the Panthers beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend, everything changes again. The atmosphere should be electric, and this represents a real opportunity for Carolina to assert its dominance.