All the talk after the Carolina Panthers' shocking loss to the New Orleans Saints centered on a lack of professionalism and taking their opponent lightly. Standards slipped as everyone got wrapped up in their positive headlines. They paid a heavy price.
Players spoke openly about this after the game. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, rookie edge rusher Nic Scourton, and tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders all hinted that things weren't as they seemed in the days before and in the hours leading up to the game. Head coach Dave Canales and other established figures spoke about the need to stay focused, but it didn't work.