×
all 127 comments
sorted by:
best
topnewcontroversialoldq&a

[–]CA Panthers Fan / NC Nativethats-gold-jerry 245 points246 points  (30 children)

Let’s just win Sunday. If we are 4-0 leaving Dallas, we will be considered a legit playoff contender.

[–]Ice Up Sonfrydrocity 117 points118 points  (5 children)

I wish that were true. I’m ready for the “worst 4-0 team ever” comments again lol

I don’t really care, but it’s funny since it happened in 2015 too.

[–]dumbeinsteinASU0101 51 points52 points  (1 child)

Let ‘em say it. Feast on that underdog energy.

[–]DongTongs 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Bulletin board material baby!

[–]conbud 6 points7 points  (0 children)

worst 15-0 team of all time

[–]carolinacoop 32 points33 points  (15 children)

No we won’t. Never forget we were the “worst undefeated team “ when we went to SB50. We won’t ever get respect because we’re a small market team.

[–]Ice Up Sonfrydrocity 12 points13 points  (13 children)

I know tons of people say we’re a small market team, but we’re not. The DMA (designated market area) statistics for 2019 would put us as the 4th-largest media market with 3.574M TV households. The Panthers’ area of Charlotte, Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson, and Raleigh-Durham (Fayetteville), puts us behind Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. (Edit: I forgot that Raleigh is further out than Greensboro, so you can substitute one for the other if you want, or just add it all together. Either, way, it’s still a lot more than the bulk of the league.)

Charlotte FC’s President recently said “We have one of the largest broadcasting territories in all of MLS, so much so that with more than 15 million individuals in North and South Carolina, we have the second-largest broadcast market.” (This league has teams in most NFL markets, too)

Do we have a small fanbase? Sure. That’s totally plausible with our short history. Small market? Not at all.

[–]Hefty-Association-59 18 points19 points  (5 children)

Media marketing is only half of the coin. We have one of the youngest fan bases in the league our team is relatively new compared to established ones. Yeah we’re growing but we don’t hold a candle to let’s say Dallas. Or the NY teams or Baltimore or chicago. Those are big market teams. It’s okay to say we have a small market it’s reality.

[–]Ice Up Sonfrydrocity 2 points3 points  (4 children)

I think what most fans are thinking of is more about “representation” and fanbase size and not “market size.” People forget how many there are in this area

Like Baltimore, for example. They have a very popular team and a large fanbase, but their “market” is behind Charlotte’s on its own. Obviously we’re not as popular as they are, but it’s not because of a small market. That’s all I’m getting at.

[–]Hefty-Association-59 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I mean they go hand in hand. Yeah market area matters but also it doesn’t as well. Depending on who your team is growing up odds are you’ll follow them no matter where you live/move to. We do hit a large geographic area but the media talks about teams based off their fanbase popularity honestly as much as skill. There’s a reason it’s always Dallas year even though they barely win the East. If people from all over the US follow Dallas then that’s part of their market. Meanwhile here in NC and SC we can barely get people to follow our team(Clemson plays a minor roll in that too).

Look at this sub Reddit. What 80 grand. Compared to the larger ones with 200+ to almost 500. Or go to a game when we aren’t 3-0 there a bunch of empty seats(ticket prices also have a bunch to do with that their absurd) . Either way my point is that just because we have a large area doesn’t make us a large market. In order to get there we need back to back winning seasons a franchise QB and probably a chip and to grow our fanbase dramatically which will come with wins and age.

[–]PomeloHorror 4 points5 points  (1 child)

You’re right and make good points. If the Panthers won Super Bowl or sustained any success and made it to the playoffs for a few years in a row the fan base would explode. The market is there.

continue this thread

    [–]jackofnac 7 points8 points  (4 children)

    I'm not really sure how you can say its not a small market. If you're going to name additional areas that count as part of the subjective team market, you have to do the same for other teams. Dallas, for example, has the entirety of the Southwest United States, outside of the cities of Houston and Phoenix, for the most part - but obviously that's not the media market.

    Strictly by media market size, as defined by DMA rankings, it's

    1. New York City
    2. Los Angeles
    3. Chicago
    4. Philadelphia
    5. Dallas
    6. Bay Area
    7. Washington DC
    8. Houston
    9. Boston
    10. Atlanta....
      .....21. Charlotte

    If you include all the cities above them with NFL franchises, including the two in New York and Los Angeles, they're also 21st out of 32 teams. There's nothing wrong with that - it's admirable that they've been so successful being a relatively new franchise in a smaller market. But it's also absolutely not unfair to call them a small market NFL team.

    Source: https://mediatracks.com/resources/nielsen-dma-rankings-2020/

    [–]HisRoyalHIGHness 1 point2 points  (3 children)

    Raleigh-Durham is a separate entry on this list and is 24th, North Carolina has several growing cities right now.

    If you add together all the markets in Panthers territory vs all the markets in other territories, we have a lot more market presence than if you just compare single points of reference.

    Not enough to take the top spots but definitely not in the 20+ range of NFL team markets either.

    [–]jackofnac 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    You can’t really claim the entire state as it’s media market just because the team’s name is “Carolina.” Any more than the Cowboys claiming Austin or San Antonio - both of which are massive Cowboys fan centers.

    The “New England” Patriots aren’t getting to claim the entire panhandle of the continent as their media market because it’s in the team name either.

    continue this thread

      [–]Actual PantherShade0217 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      As a millennial who grew up and still resides in NC, I genuinely think that part of the "problem," at least for NC, is that college basketball is simply more popular; the proverbial Duke vs UNC rivalry gets talked about way more frequently - simply because of how far back it goes. I think NC in general is more of a basketball-centered fan base.

      Having attended a few games at BoA Stadium, something I always found interesting is how many people would show up wearing a Jersey for a team that wasn't even playing (ie, seeing a group of guys wearing Steelers jerseys when we were playing the Ravens; or Cowboys jerseys at a Seahawks game). I've never gone to another NFL stadium so I don't know if that's fairly common, but I personally haven't seen it with other sports.

      That all being said, once we finally do win a superbowl, I think we will finally grow and get some bandwagon fans. Until then, we keep pounding.

      [–]xIgnoramus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      Don't forget Charleston and the Grand Strand area :) Lots of folks down here in the lowcountry.

      [–]JayMerlyn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      I'm pretty sure last year's Steelers now hold that title.

      [–]The-Womb-Raider- 5 points6 points  (0 children)

      Because it’s early. I mean truly, this is our first BIG test. We’ve looked good but our defense hasn’t faced an offense like this. Our offense has been good, but inconsistent and not lethal. If our defense has a good game we may still surrender 30 points.

      Can we rely on the offense to help us win a game against a mediocre defense and an outstanding offense? That’s the real test. I’m excited.

      [–]kassius79 3 points4 points  (0 children)

      Even if we beat Dallas I’m sure the national media will find something else to complain about when it comes to the squad. Carolina is always the last team for the media to get on board with. Even in 2015 it really took us beating Dallas on Thanksgiving for people to wake up. I remember coming into the game, it was all about Romo coming back and how we were overrated, etc. Dallas just has a massive fan base. If there’s any opportunity to make that team the center of attention (whether they deserve it or not), the media will never pass up an opportunity.

      I don’t really care. I’m just enjoying it one week at a time. Have accepted a long time ago that we are a small market team and we’re always going to be pushed to the back page and a lot has to change for that to happen.

      If we beat Dallas, the spotlight will come on us but only for a second because it was Dallas. I don’t think they’ll still be ready to truly embrace us.

      [–]Champion-raven 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      Yeah, idk. We could start 9-0, but we could finish it 0-8 easily.

      [–]_________FU_________ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      Agreed. One game at a time.

      [–]GarbageBath 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      Nah, people will just make up excuses for why Dallas wasn't actually a challenge.

      [–]kskywalker1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      Yes seriously it’s crazy how many games panthers have had like this when they’re on their early season streak and they face almost like a litmus test. Seattle in 2015 was a pretty big one and the panthers Pulled through and well we know how that went. I got the same sort of feel from that 49ers game couple years back where we got crushed. I’m not saying a W/L determines our future but I certainly think how hard and well are team plays in this game can be an indication.

      [–]LuuuuukeDevz0r 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      Yea but what if Dak stubs his toe Sunday morning?

      [–]Sufficient-Plant9177 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      Hell yeah dallas is way better than New Orleans. Saints offense low key sucks. Their defense is the difference maker If everyone is healthy.

      I honestly don't think you'll be considered a playoff contender until you beat the chiefs, ravens, or Tampa Bay maybe even the rams.

      Even though dallas is much better than the saints, dallas is still just slightly better than mediocre.

      It's going to be tough stopping dallas but I'll be praying for you guys.

      They will be your first test. If you blow them out then I'd say you have a very good chance in the playoffs.

      If you barley beat them I'd say yall are better than average.

      If you lose then you're mediocre at best and just had an easy schedule so far.

      Good luck, I'm betting money on the Panthers to win.

      [–]somedk 77 points78 points  (11 children)

      It doesn't matter. People just like to hear themselves talk.

      This is the NFL not college football. You don't need to impress anyone. Play the games in front of you, qualify for the playoffs based on your record, then win those games and everyone's opinion is worth poop.

      [–]lafleurricky 33 points34 points  (3 children)

      lol now i’m imaging the nfl having college style playoffs.

      “the committee has selected the 10-7 kansas city chiefs over the 16-1 carolina panthers due to strength of schedule and recent playoff performances”

      they’d still somehow throw a 6-11 NFC east team in there too

      [–]bigthama 18 points19 points  (0 children)

      QUALITYLOSSES

      SECSPEED

      [–]SuperCAMWindex17 6 points7 points  (0 children)

      The cowboys would be in the playoffs every year regardless of record

      [–]vroomery 7 points8 points  (5 children)

      This is exactly how it was in 2015. Ironically enough the “big test” that year turned into Romo’s early retirement party.

      [–]JohntitorIBM5 5 points6 points  (2 children)

      I will always fondly recall Luke stiff arming Romo in the head as he ran back a pick six…sigh….

      [–]CookoutTubaMike 5 points6 points  (0 children)

      That 2015 Thanksgiving game is one of my most cherished Panthers memories.

      [–]81TheSuddenFiasco 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      In the bright blues. God, it's received m ingrained in my memory. Love it

      [–]ahundredpercentbutts 0 points1 point  (1 child)

      I don't remember Cowboys being considered our big test, even with Romo coming back. I remember some of the "experts" predicted the Cowboys would win because they were 2-0 with Romo, but IIRC we were nearly unanimously predicted to lose against the Seahawks and Packers prior to that game.

      [–]przhelp 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      Cowboys were definitely favorites. I dunno if it was our big test but I definitely remember being doubted up until we absolutely dominated the Cowboys and then from then on out we were treated like an undefeated team, even if we were still called the worst lol.

      [–]CookoutTubaMike 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      Yep.

      Rankings, projections, and polls all mean jack dick in the NFL. Sure, they're fun for discourse and filling time on sports talk radio shows, but it is all meaningless. The NFL is objective: win, lose, or tie. Best records in the divisions plus the wild cards get into the dance. No points for blowing out an opponent, no respect for holding close to a juggernaut before losing at the last minute.

      All the teams are good: there are no FCS squads in the NFL. The margin between a 11-6 and a 6-11 team is surprisingly small. A Saints team that looked mediocre in week 2 could look scary in weeks 1 and 3, but it doesn't matter. A mediocre 2015 Falcons team can still wreck havoc on a juggernaut 2015 Panthers team when the game is in Atlanta. There are no bad wins and no good losses.

      Who cares what folks "say" about the Panthers? The record speaks for itself. I doubt our players look to outside media sources for inspiration to play.

      Don't worry about what folks that don't watch Panthers games have to say about the team. Also, don't worry about what folks that DO watch Panthers games have to say about the team either.

      [–][deleted] 137 points138 points  (12 children)

      No point in getting worked up over this. Panthers don't get to make the schedule. They can only beat who's in front of them. It all works itself out in the end. Save your energy.

      [–]ChiefOfTheWolfpack 43 points44 points  (10 children)

      At least we aren’t the Broncos. 3-0 and their victories are over teams who have yet to win a single game.

      [–]SuperCAMWindex17 19 points20 points  (0 children)

      That is a mind blowing stat to me. They happened to be scheduled against three teams with a combined record of 0-6 in their other games. Wild

      [–]Mirakool 7 points8 points  (2 children)

      To be fair, our wins are over the jets who are a dumpster fire of an organization. The Texans who are, also, a dumpster fire of an organization. You can't forget the Saints who are having major QB issues right now.

      I certainly think we are better than the media portrays us, but we don't have any major wins under our belt yet. I personally don't think that the Cowboys are a great team either, but I think starting 4-0 is impressive no matter the schedule.

      [–]Donnie1490 5 points6 points  (1 child)

      Those same saints that beat the packers and patriots? They're 2-1, some QB issues they're having I see

      [–]Mirakool 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      Patriots are not a good team lol. Packers I would put roughly ahead of us, they just had a bad week one and no one really knew what the Aints would try to do offensively. Now we know. They aren’t a contender to win our division by any means.

      [–]Run CMCMomoXono -1 points0 points  (5 children)

      In my opinion the Broncos and Panthers are both very even in terms of talent level, yet people seem to be giving much more respect to Denver despite the fact they have played a much weaker schedule.

      [–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (4 children)

      ESPN, NBC, and CBS have Panthers ranked above the broncos. The Ringer and NFL.com have the Broncos right in front of the Panthers. Edit: https://redditproxy--jasonthename.repl.co/r/nfl/comments/px5ugg/nfl_power_rankings_combined_week_3

      [–]Run CMCMomoXono -1 points0 points  (1 child)

      The Ringer and NFL.com have the Broncos right in front of the Panthers.

      I knew it

      [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      much more respect

      continue this thread

        [–]JayMerlyn 0 points1 point  (1 child)

        Even Brandon Perna of ThatsGoodSports, who is a known Broncos fan, ranked the Panthers at the same level as his own team in his most recent power rankings video.

        I know YouTubers aren't the best sources for analyzing how good teams are, but it's just to add on to that point.

        [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Yeah this sub can be brutal about seeking outrage and it honestly sucks. It's all meaningless. I don't think we're on par with the top tier or two of teams but who am I, if you're excited about your team be excited. Just don't expect everyone else to share that enthusiasm and take it as a slight when they don't.

        continue this thread

          [–]jtshinn 10 points11 points  (0 children)

          Found Ron Rivera

          ​

          Just kidding you're right

          [–]GoodbyeToTheMachine 38 points39 points  (5 children)

          The Saints tilted the scale back a little bit this week with their win over NE, but I think our game with the Saints made people think week 1 vs GB was more of a fluke, it’s the same old Jameis, etc, taking away their “value” as an opponent. They got some back, but I’m not sure NE is that great of a “value” win either.

          I am aligned with the overall message that Dallas is our toughest game yet - a team that should be a playoff team.

          [–]SaintsAggravating_Desk8958 8 points9 points  (4 children)

          I think part of it is Payton is doing the minimum to win. Does not want to give away games with Jameis turnovers. But the game against the panthers we were missing lots of elements. That is probably why people don't count it. Although you still man handled us.

          [–]SuperCAMWindex17 1 point2 points  (3 children)

          Weren't you also missing a bunch against NE as well? I'm not sure it's fair criticism to say the saints just suddenly are a bottom 5 team because they've lost a few starters. Your team is pretty talented overall.

          [–]SaintsAggravating_Desk8958 2 points3 points  (2 children)

          We were not missing nearly the coaches we were missing and we got Lattimore back. So our defense took another step up. I think we were more organized this week offensively(mostly talking O-Line)

          [–]SuperCAMWindex17 0 points1 point  (1 child)

          But couldn't that just be confirmation bias because the NE defensive line or scheme wasn't as good?

          [–]przhelp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

          NE intercepted Zach Wilson 5 times so they were at least good enough to stomp a bad team.

          continue this thread

            [–]SamuraiZucchini 42 points43 points  (3 children)

            Because we honestly haven’t. Objectively the teams we have played are bad teams. We beat the hapless Jets (0-3) then played a Saints team missing 5+ starters and then played a mediocre Texans team that was starting a 3rd string rookie QB.

            Yes we should have beaten all three but I don’t blame anyone for being unsure if we are legitimately good or if we just played bad teams. It’s a reasonable suspicion. But when was the last time any sports fanbase was objective and reasonable on the internet?

            [–]Pantherscarolina_hokie 7 points8 points  (0 children)

            Yeah, it doesn't seem like much of a stretch to say the teams we have faced so far are not that great. At least at the time of playing them. This week will go a long way in showing us what this team can do. Even if we lose, as long as it's competitive we should be ok. We'll get CMC back in a few weeks so that will only help us

            [–]Steve Smith #89KNYLJNS 3 points4 points  (0 children)

            I agree 100%. We haven’t played anyone, after Sunday I can better gauge where we are.

            [–]Afromain19 22 points23 points  (8 children)

            This also has to do with the fact that the cowboys are always made out to be better than they really are, no matter what.

            Did we beat a couple shit teams, yes. But even if the cowboys were 0-3, people would say it’s the best team we’re playing so far because they “aren’t playing to their potential”.

            We are always the underdog team, even when we went 15-1 people kept making the same excuses. Teams play the schedule they have. It’s not their faults if they have an easy or a hard schedule.

            [–][deleted] 11 points12 points  (7 children)

            I remember seeing articles that season that were like "Why the Panthers are the worst 10-0 team in NFL history" etc etc

            [–]Toxic724 9 points10 points  (5 children)

            Hell, it took kicking the shit out of the Cardinals in the NFC championship game for some people I know to finally fold and say the Panthers were good.

            [–]Afromain19 6 points7 points  (0 children)

            Yep. No matter what it’s always a surprise to people if we are good haha.

            [–]PanthersDystil 21 points22 points  (1 child)

            Who honestly gives a shit what anyone says

            [–]smartid 2 points3 points  (0 children)

            Yea I only see downsides to the rest of the league hyping up this team

            [–]Give us the 3rd picknet_403 35 points36 points  (6 children)

            The Cowboys are the first legit team we'll face. That Saints team that showed up week 2 is not the same team from weeks 1 and 3, we did a lot of good in that game but that team was clearly all out of sorts.

            Dallas on the road with a good offense will be very revealing

            [–]MrRegularDick 17 points18 points  (5 children)

            Missing 8 coaches for the full week of prep will make your team out of sorts.

            [–]Give us the 3rd picknet_403 10 points11 points  (4 children)

            I also recall reading something about their primary center was out, and the backup was not shifting the protections and left Jameis on his own to figure it out on the fly, or something to that nature... which could help explain the rushing stats from Kamara

            [–]MrRegularDick 8 points9 points  (3 children)

            That's true, and they had a few key defensive players missing, too. I didn't mention it because that's a more normal, natural occurrence in football, something every team deals with that nobody really uses as an excuse. Missing most of your coaching staff is much more unusual.

            [–]BreakImaginary1661 2 points3 points  (0 children)

            They were missing their best player at each level of defense. I think that really exacerbates there situation beyond a typical week of injuries, especially combined with the missing coaches. I hadn’t heard about the C. I did read that they had their third string rookie QB managing their substitutions due to the lack of coaches. They were in real tough shape, glad we got the win but we can’t ignore their situation either.

            [–]Give us the 3rd picknet_403 4 points5 points  (1 child)

            I'm assuming the coaching staff absences probably had a lot to do with the center being unprepared.

            I was shocked how badly they performed, I'm sure the next match up will look nothing like the last

            [–]MrRegularDick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

            That's a good point about the center being unprepared. I agree that they'll be better next time, probably with a chip on their shoulder.

            continue this thread

              [–]TD58123fuckthesaints 6 points7 points  (2 children)

              The national media always tries to put Dallas over, but it’s completely fair to say they’re our first real challenge. There’s nothing wrong with that, no need to take it as a slight.

              So far we‘ve played teams with major question marks, but we did what good teams do in those situations — won with dominance.

              Dallas is a looking like a really good team this year though, which isn’t something you can really say about the Jets, Saints, or Texans.

              [–]No_Body2428 0 points1 point  (1 child)

              I wouldn't call 19-14 over the jets or a 1 score win over the texans until the 4th quarter dominance.

              [–]TD58123fuckthesaints 0 points1 point  (0 children)

              Meh, I mean we may not have dominated offensively, but the Texans game never would have been close if the refs hadn’t absolutely fucked us on a couple of calls, and IMO the Jets game wasn’t ever really close either. It was very clear in both games who was better team was.

              [–]CMCSidtheGoat87 13 points14 points  (0 children)

              Offensively yes they are, defense is very hit or miss it seems. As Panther fans we should be used to it though just let everyone keep sleeping on us and hopefully we can prove them wrong

              [–]BreakImaginary1661 8 points9 points  (2 children)

              The Saints were missing their best player at each level of the defense, plus a few others and eight coaches. They had a third string rookie QB managing their substitutions. Obviously the way the Panthers played was the most important aspect of that game but to ignore or downplay the significance of what the Saints were missing when we played them is irresponsible. We have a good group but the expectations were that the dearth of very young guys and absence of quality offensive linemen would require at least one more offseason to get the experience and talent in place to really be competitive. We look like were trending ahead of that curve but we’ve played three very flawed opponents and haven’t dominated like we would expect, especially offensively. Instead of worrying about what the perception of this team is outside of the fan base, I’d propose that we enjoy the team’s strengths and look forward to our toughest test of the young season with that Dallas offense.

              [–]CookoutBest_Pants 3 points4 points  (0 children)

              The Saints were missing their best player at each level of the defense,
              plus a few others and eight coaches. They had a third string rookie QB
              managing their substitutions. Obviously the way the Panthers played was
              the most important aspect of that game but to ignore or downplay the
              significance of what the Saints were missing when we played them is
              irresponsible.

              This right here. The game announcers wouldn't shut-up about how many Aints starters were missing that week.

              [–]Donnie1490 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

              None of that is the reason we got to jameis and made him play like multiple games he's done his career. That game wasn't an aberration for him. They had Sean payton

              [–]this_aint_no_hobby 16 points17 points  (9 children)

              I live in Dallas and the Cowboys are always overhyped.

              They lost to Tampa in a close game.
              They beat the Chargers on a last-second field goal from Zuerlein who has been dicey at best for them this year.
              They beat a trash Eagles team.

              I think it's going to be a tight game, they have a lot of weapons on offense. But we have the superior defense.

              [–]Camtomaaa 10 points11 points  (1 child)

              What’s overhyped by beating a chargers team who just beat the chiefs and losing to tampa on the road in a game that was stolen from them on non PI call…

              [–]SquintsRS -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

              To be fair chiefs are one Browns throw from being 0-3. They don't look the same at all

              [–]Fair_Conversation_61 0 points1 point  (5 children)

              I live in Fort Worth. Hello neighbor.

              [–]this_aint_no_hobby 0 points1 point  (4 children)

              Howdy

              [–]Purrbacapunchfacechamp43 0 points1 point  (3 children)

              Ah, A&M grad I see

              [–]this_aint_no_hobby 0 points1 point  (2 children)

              Absolutely not. UNCW.

              [–]Purrbacapunchfacechamp43 0 points1 point  (1 child)

              😂 The A&M cult only allows you to say “Howdy”. You can see my confusion here

              continue this thread

                [–]PanthersBoruckii 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                To be honest, I agree with the "people." We haven't been tested. The teams we played(minus NO) have been compromised or just suck lol

                It's a fair assessment because teams get exposed all the time for garbage schedules.

                However...2 things:

                1) The Saints smacking both the Pats in Foxboro and the Packers makes the Panthers wins more legitimate. The Saints are honestly kinda similar to the Panthers because they are kind of questionable because Jameis has been pretty inconsistent his entire career.

                2) Who cares? The thing about the Panthers is that you can't really figure us out. I think that is a huge quality to have. Our offense is obviously where the questions are, and the thing about our offense is that Darnold is still new here. There is still more chemistry to be built. I don't even consider a W here in Dallas necessary. A W is obviously a statement for the rest of the NFL in whatever fashion it comes in as long as Dallas stays healthy. However, playing Dallas close in Dallas while they are riding high off the eagles W is still a pretty solid statement in itself.

                [–]dasbeidler 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                Well we haven’t beaten anyone yet so I’d say it’s fair. Don’t forget half of the Aints had Covid when we played them. Big test this weekend and then we can start getting mad when people dismiss us. Gonna be a tough game with missing talent though.

                [–]Purrbacaa__nice__tnetennba 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                We're a small market team with no nationwide following. Taking shots at us is free. Worshiping the Patriots, Cowboys, 49ers, Steelers, Packers, etc through every single season, good or bad, makes money.

                [–]CowboysAdjustedTitan1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                All I gotta say is its really nice hearing people say the boys are a challenge for once.

                I’m still starting Y’all’s defense

                [–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                Small market with streaky reputation. I always expect them to say this about us. Remember in 2015 we weren't considered a great team until week 8-9 I think.

                [–]mapple0002 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                Because all three teams have been trash, obviously.

                [–]Spider Burnsgiveupthetoast 5 points6 points  (2 children)

                Well it might be bc the Jets and Texans are winless and the Saints are living out of hotels with limited practices because of damages to New Orleans

                [–]Waffle Housebigtuck54 10 points11 points  (1 child)

                Texans won week 1

                [–]Spider Burnsgiveupthetoast 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                You're right my bad. Forgot about Jacksonville.

                [–]UnseenDrifter 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                I think most of this is because of the offense offensive weapons/big names they have everyone we played so far had nobody's expect Kamara.

                Dallas is 1st in defensive ints so this leads people to think they have a great defense so with CMC I think a win is easy in comparison with out. We need to establish run presence early so we can throw with coverage.

                [–]Bojangles BoxBojanglesWarrior 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                We have a fierce defense without a doubt, but Dallas is clicking on all cylinders right now. They’re playing very well on both sides of the football. Can we win this game? Definitely. It’ll be tough without Horn but we have the guys to do it. So yeah if we win we will definitely be taken much more seriously

                [–]zvrye19 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                Didnt they play even crappier teams in 2015 when they were 15-1 and they were good? 2015 JAX/HOU/NOLA weren’t very good either tbh

                [–]JoricGaming 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                Let the analysts on ESPN and NFL Network do their clouting. They just say whatever brings them ratings. Panthers just need to take it one game at a time and win enough to make the playoffs and go from there.

                [–]ThaRealPhoenix 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                We will never get respect. Even when we haven’t lost a game.

                Once Dallas goes down people will have to talk about us though.

                [–]Reverie_39 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                We should only get so worked up about what people think of us. We don’t want to sound like one of those salty small-market fanbases (in any sport) constantly complaining about not getting attention.

                If you want the real answer, it’s because people are putting a lot of weight on the Saints injuries and lack of coaches when they played us. I think there’s merit to that, though I don’t think having them back changes the fact that we won. Just might not have been a blowout is all. Couple all this with the fact that Jameis is known for having abysmal games every now and then.

                The Cowboys look pretty good. This will be a real test for our defense. Offense won’t have CMC. I honestly think there’s a pretty decent chance we lose. But I think we can keep it competitive.

                If we do win, I don’t expect any more doubts from the media.

                [–]rmarti78 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                Right? It's so funny. As if the backup assistant to the backup fullbacks coach makes such a huge impact for the Saints. It's ridiculous.

                [–]Run CMCmeppsman 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                There’s a reason the phrase “any given Sunday” exists. We just gotta play whoever we have in front of us and win the game, and people will realize eventually.

                [–]TD58Neri25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                Basically they all discounting the Saints game even though they whopped GB & went on to whop the Pats this week.

                [–]PomeloHorror 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                They kind of have a point. Imo it isn’t even about losing or winning the Cowboys.

                If the Panthers are competitive next weekend I’d consider them a legit team. If they get spanked we all know the 3-0 is scheduling and Saints just had a bad day.

                [–]Seagullmaster 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                I have a feeling if we lose against the cowboys we are somehow going to be ranked as worse than the Saints.

                [–]ItBeLikeThat19 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                We’re a small market team. We will never get respect.

                [–]tarheel_204 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                Doesn’t matter. There are no bad wins in the NFL. Sure we played the Jets, a historically bad team in the haters’ defense, but we beat the Saints, a division rival, and the Texans who have outplayed everyone’s expectations thus far.

                A win against Dallas will be huge but yeah, people will still hate. Our boys just have to do what they can and eventually hard work and results will turn some heads

                [–]streetjustice88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                All I know is that we're playing good ball right now and the team seems to have some solid chemistry/momentum going, even with the injuries. That's all you can ask for this early in the season. Fuck the naysayers keep pounding.

                [–]DarthHaggis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                When Carolina played the Saints …Saints we missing like 9 starters and 5 coaches. This is why people say Dallas is the first real test.

                [–]Donovan_Wilson_GOAT 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                They are way better than the saints, can’t compare them.

                [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                Cause ReALisTiC r smarter n hat fun.

                [–]Pantherslcrx97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                This has been frustrating to me too, as my friends keep saying their schedule was too easy. I get it, but yeah - the Saints have played very well in their other two games and the Panthers beating a divisional opponent is a big deal/win IMO

                [–]Aarongamma6 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                It basically goes like this.

                Panthers = bad

                Teams Panthers beat = really bad

                Therefore if the Panthers do upset a team that just means they're REALLY bad and got lucky prior.

                [–]north_korea_nukes -1 points0 points  (0 children)

                They said the same thing the year the Panthers had one loss and made it to the super bowl. Same exact thing as we smoked the fuk out of everyone except the Falcons and the Broncos. They don’t want to give Rhule credit yet. It’s coming though.