10 Movies I Don't Care About

Just look below. What I do care about is how the Panthers demolished the Broncos today, giving them a two game division lead over Tampa Bay and Atlanta. After giving up 10 quick points to the Broncos on their first 2 possessions, the defense shut down Cutler in the second half, holding him to just 172 yards and 1 touchdown for the game. The Panthers were led by Steve Smith, who finished with 9 catches for 165 yards and a touchdown, and again by a dominating run game late. Smash and Dash, or whatever they are called now since LenDale White and Chris Johnson said they created it first, combined for 140 yards and 2 touchdowns. This win gives the Panthers an 11-3 record, tied for first in the NFC after the Giants loss to the Cowboys. So with a win next week against the Giants, the Panthers would clinch first in the NFC and earn home field advantage in the playoffs. The Panthers and Giants will play on Sunday Night Football next week so prepare yourself for John Madden and his ramblings about food and who knows what else.

I would like to end by saying the Panthers appear to be peaking at the right time, beating some decent teams lately and playing their best football of the season. But next week's game will be key for the Panthers because of many reasons, the first of which I touched on before. The Panthers are 8-0 this season in Charlotte. Finishing first in the NFC and getting home field advantage throughout the playoffs will make the road to the Super Bowl a little easier. Furthermore, the Giants are one of the best teams in the NFL this year and to be the best, at some point you will have to beat the best. And if the Panthers are going to get to the Super Bowl, the defending champion Giants will likely be the team to beat in the NFC. Knowing you can beat them will make it that much easier later. Finally and possibly most importantly, we have seen in recent years how important momentum is for a team going into the playoffs and a win in New York will add to the momentum they have gained over the ladder portion of the season. So expect a tough, hard fought game next week as there is a lot on the line for both teams.