Panthers got a good deal in general manager Dave Gettleman

playPanthers reporter David Newton says the key to Carolina's success starts with GM Dave Gettleman, who has made the tough personnel and salary cap decisions to put the Panthers in position to go 14-0 when they face a Giants team he spent 14 season with. (1:03)CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Former New York Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi was in a posh Charlotte hotel on January 8, 2013, waiting for Dave Gettleman to return from dinner with Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson.

Gettleman would be named Carolina’s general manager the next day. Accorsi, who recommended his then 61-year-old friend and former colleague with the Giants to Richardson, wanted to have a celebratory beer in the hotel…