December 24, 2024 • 20 mins
Get a front-row seat to Carolina Panthers football with Sideline Pass! This week Kristen and Sharon recap the Panthers' Week 16 win over the Arizona Cardinals, preview the Panther's road matchup with the Bucs, and so much more!
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Cheers. Kristen Balboney and Sharon Thorps loved with your Sideline Pass.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Sharon, it is a special holiday edition of Sideline Pass
and we have a lot to celebrate after that game. Wow,
overtime thriller, and we're doing this Monday, and so it
feels very very fresh still. What is the moment that
stands out to you the most about that game?
Speaker 3 (00:28):
Oh, my gosh, I mean, I hate to whittle it
down to the very end, but it was that run
by Cuba just with the absolute glee he danced into
the end zone with It was just so much fun
to see him just you know, just the way he
ran in with his arms and legs, you know, and
it was just you could tell he was just giddy
to be able to do that after you know, a
(00:50):
couple weeks ago with the against the Bucks and overtime
in the same scenario would have gone in for a
game when he touchdown and said it was the fumble.
Speaker 4 (00:57):
So to have him be able to have that just.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
Redeeming run and go in and put it away for
the Panthers was just so much fun. So that that
is the moment that just is like the best about
that game.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
For me, I completely agree.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
And you know one thing that I loved seeing from
the sideline right after that. I mean, the team celebrated
as if you know, they want a playoff game, as
they should considering all the work that they have put
into it. But one guy that I could not help
king in on. You know, the entire team came down
to celebrate Brady Christiansen, who had made this start. You know,
Cad Mays at center got sick at the last second.
(01:32):
He had the illness that was going through the offensive
line room, was a late add to that injury report
and ultimately couldn't play in the game. Brady Christensen, who
had played center for the Panthers earlier this year, was
and then cave May's got the nod after that, came
in started at center, and Sharon the smile on his face,
the celebration after that, and the game that this offensive
line had to get to but into the end zone twice,
(01:56):
it was just awesome.
Speaker 1 (01:56):
And you know that had to feel so good for him.
Speaker 2 (01:58):
But he was picking guys up, coaches, celebrating, looking for
his family in the stands, and I think that was
really a microcosm of how everyone felt on this team,
a hard fought win and one sharing that you know,
this is the hump that they were trying to get over,
and they did it.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
That has got to feel so satisfying.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
Oh.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
Absolutely, Like you said, this has been a long time coming,
because you had the Germany win, you had the Saints win,
but then it was those games that were just right
there to be had, starting with the Chiefs and on
down through you know, the Bucks and then the Eagles
and then obviously the game last week against Dallas was
a forgettable one, but they had those other ones where
it was the same type of scenario where it was
(02:38):
within your grasp and then it had just slipped away.
Speaker 4 (02:40):
And so to be able to finally.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Put it all together to get that key defensive stop,
to get that sack and force the punt in overtime,
because I was just scared to death that they was
just going to be a field goal with the Cardinals
and a walk off field gals.
Speaker 4 (02:52):
I was like, no, you can't do this to me again.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
So it was it was just so cool to see
it finally come to fruition, to get the finish that
they have just been talking about for weeks now. We've
got to finish plays, finish drives, finish the game. And
they were able to do that yesterday, and that was
just so gratifying, just for me being just part of
the broadcast team, to be able to see them do
that and be so excited about it. I know that
(03:15):
they as the team and as the players and as
the coaches and the staff are just like beyond thrilled
and satisfied and just feel so good to be able
to finally get it done.
Speaker 4 (03:24):
And the way they did it was just so perfect.
To be able to keep pounding the football.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
I mean, Tuba with one hundred and fifty two rushing yards,
and that's what they want from this team. They want
to be a running team. They want to be a
hard nosed defense. And they were able to put it
all together yesterday and come out on top, and against
the team who was no slouch I mean the Cardinals.
I mean they've had their ups and downs, but seven
and seven and in the run for a playoff berth,
so this was this was a must win game for Arizona,
so they weren't certainly not taking it easy or anything
(03:49):
like that. So this was a good performance against a
good team with a dynamic quarterback of phenomenal running back.
So it was a huge win for this team and
it was awesome to see it.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
I want to go through to that offense. I'm going
to talk to Dave Canallis. You're going to talk to
Dave Canalis. Both of us will a little bit later.
And what I want to know is, was that game
offensively the game that he is the most proud of,
you know, and we talked about that a little bit
on the broadcast, but you know, they go down on
that for you just mentioned it with running the ball.
They go down on that first drive, they eat up
(04:20):
a ton of clock something like eight minutes, and they
come away with the score. And that is what they
wanted to do last week against the Cowboys, and it
ended with that fumble.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
And Dave Canallis makes no secret.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Look, every team in the NFL wants to do this,
which is play with a lead, right run the ball.
But that really is what they predicate their offense on.
They don't want to get into those passing downs, those
passing situations. They want to play with the lead and
they want to run that ball down everyone's throat.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
And they were able to do it. As you said, Sharon.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
They were able to offensively play the style of football
that they wanted to do, eat up those minutes and
then score, you know, capitalize off of that. And it
felt like, you know what, they put up twenty points
in the in the first half, Yeah, over thirty to
end the game, and it felt like, not only did
they win that one, but at least on the offensive
side of the ball.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
I'm sure they would say, hey, defense, we would love
if you don't.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Give up that many points, right, or that many rushing yards,
but at least on the offensive side of the ball.
That not only did they win, but it was one
in the way in which this offense wanted to win.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
And a big part of.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
That was Bryce Young. Sure, and he looked tough out
there yesterday. I mean we've seen that every single week.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
Well what I'm smiling because what I loved was seeing
him no matter if he got hit, if he went
down to anything, he just kept popping back up with
that big old smile on his face. It was almost
like bringing on, give me more. I mean, he was
just like he's having fun out there. You can really
see it. And that's just such a game changer because
if you're nervous or if you're scared, or if you're
(05:46):
you know, stressed out or feeling pressure, you're not having fun.
And you know that's a lot of the games that
he's head over his career, you know, have been that way.
Not everything I just mentioned, not scared, et cetera, but
they've been pressure packed.
Speaker 4 (05:58):
It's been hard.
Speaker 3 (05:59):
You know, it's been difficult when you know the guys
are coming at you on the defense and you're not
getting to protection. Last year in particularly, it was tough.
And the first couple of games this year, we're not
you know, fun for him, I'm sure. But now every
game he's just getting better and better and more and
more confidence just like oozing from him.
Speaker 4 (06:15):
The confidence.
Speaker 3 (06:16):
Now he's just got swagger out there, which has really
developed over this season, I think. And now he's having fun.
And I think it was awesome to see him bounce
back from last week and that could have been a
really a season changer for a quarterback to have fort
that is tough to come back from that, but it
was like it never even happened. I mean, the way
(06:37):
he came out and played it was was like, yeah, whatever,
moving on from that one, and he truly did I
think this whole team really, you know, shut the book
on that, and they said, all right, that game's in
the past. It was an aberration. We're going to show
people what we're made of. This is the team who
we are. And they came out and did that, starting
with Bryce, and he just looked like he was having
a blast out there. And I can't wait to see
him this week against Tampa because I think it's just
(06:58):
going to continue.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
I agree, and that something that Dave Canal has told
us last week, and this is this is one of
those things that is easy to say, and sometimes you
don't know if it's someone saying it for a pr
reason or not. And I can assure everyone listening that
it's not. Is that on the sideline last week with
that four turnover game, Rice, he looked different. He looked
different than the games of last season and the first
(07:19):
two games of this season. Where as you said, it
was just tough, it was tough during those games, and
he didn't waiver in his confidence last week despite having
all of those turnovers.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
He was leading.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
He was he was equal parts upset at himself but
then also reassuring the guys like I got you, like
this was my fault, that this one was my fault.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
I got you.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
And as he and Dave Canal say, as long as
there are downs and time on the clock, we feel
confident that we can make something happen. And I don't
think that belief went away last week. And therefore, as
you said, you get to build on it and sharing
what you said. The harder he got hit yesterday, the.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
More exciting he was. Like you said, he just popped up.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
There was a couple it was like that first scramble
where he kind of like trucked through a defender and
I was like, slide Bryce side, you know, But it's
he's showing this this toughness. And I'll tell you who
on our broadcast yesterday, if Luke Keickley says you're tough
multiple times, Yeah, you're tough, You're.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
Tough, who couldn't get over. He just kept saying Bryce's toughness.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
Bryce's toughness, you know, in the pocket, standing tall, knowing
that he's gonna get hit, going in for another rushing touchdown,
and that on that drive that he that he.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
Scored with his legs. Yeah, that other huge run too.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
He was like fifty seven rushing yards on that touchdown,
And man, I know that we keep saying, but it
is just fun to see. And I completely agreed that
next week will even be the next step, and it's
gonna be it's gonna be a fun one because of
how close they played the Bucks last time.
Speaker 3 (08:47):
Yeah, oh absolutely, And they've got something to prove. You know,
they've got something to prove. This is a division rival
who just stole one from them in their own house
with that overtime field goal, which is a backbreaker, and
you know a lot of people would say, you know,
we had that one in the bag except for the
inopportune fumble there. So they feel like they owe this team.
And I think they're playing much better than they were
(09:09):
a month ago when they played this Bucks team. They're
playing better football right now. So I would certainly think
that they're going to go down there with something to prove.
And you never, hopefully you get exaviorly get back. I mean,
you remember too, and Bryce has not been playing with
the full deck in terms of you know, his weapons.
Every Brooks injured now, so you've got, you know, a
sort of a bunch of guys having to step up
(09:31):
and make plays.
Speaker 4 (09:31):
And they're doing it.
Speaker 3 (09:32):
But if if you could exaviorly get back out there
again too, then all of a sudden you just open
up the receiving game as well. So I think that
this team is going to go down there and show
a ton of fight and be out to prove something
against this Bucks team that really stole one from them
here at BMA.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
You think Chewbat has a little bit of a chip
on his shoulder when he goes down.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
There, absolutely absolutely, And I know he's going to be
holding onto that football for dear life he was talking
about yesterd. Let you know that the ball security was
certainly a focus all week forever Bey on the team.
Speaker 4 (10:00):
No matter who the ball carrier is.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
It's as coach Canalo said, no matter who's carrying the ball,
you're protecting it for the entire team. You're holding the
ball for the team. So you got to have that mindset,
and I know that they do every time anyway. But
certainly I'm sure that Tuba's got it more in his
head than ever before, and he made sure to hold
onto that ball ty yesterday dancing into the endside, and
I would love him to be able to do that
down there against the Bucks.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
One thing that I really want to talk about with
you is the fact that this team is playing so hard,
you know. I mean that was their fourth win of
the season. They could all look out for themselves. They
could take it a little bit easier, they could show
up in a way that is not the way in
which you would think maybe a team at this point in.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
The season would.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
They could do all those things, and they are playing
hard for each other, They are playing hard for this
coaching staff, and I think, like you said, the confidence
is building, the belief is building, and they want to
get it right to end the season. They want to
finish this out strong. They wanted that win. And I
really you know, for anyone who didn't see it or
hear it yesterday, the way they celebrated, man, you can
(11:07):
see something really special coming together. And Sharon, I think
it's something that the national media is starting to pick
up on. They don't have to play hard right now.
They don't have to and they are fighting tooth and nail. Yeah,
it's great to see.
Speaker 4 (11:19):
Yeah, and that's the guys.
Speaker 3 (11:20):
That was one thing that guys have been talking about
over the really the past couple of weeks, but jac
Horne in particular was just talking about that this past week. Say,
he said that, you know a lot of teams, a
lot of players can just cash it in right now.
You know, you've got technically nothing to play for and
take care of yourselves, your body. You could just cash
it in and say, you know what, hey, we got
nothing to play for. We're just going to coast it in.
(11:41):
You know, just show up, make some plays, get off field,
go home again kind of thing, he said. But nobody,
nobody on this team is doing that because they want
to show what they're capable of. And so we've shown
glimpses of it, and now we want to show everybody
what we can do as a football team and then
use it as a building block to go into next season,
because that that's so important. How you finish this season
(12:02):
can really predicate how you do the next season. I
really truly believe that that You've seen it around here
before in years past, where you might not start off
to gray, but then you come out, you know, win
for you last six games when whatever it may be.
They did that back in the John Fox air with
Coach Rivera. They've done that in the past and turn
that into a building block and just take off pick
up where you left off kind of thing going into
(12:22):
the next season. And when you think about the guys
that you're going to get back next year from a
health standpoint, like a Derek Brown, hopefully a Shaq Thompson.
You know, you never know who's going to be back
and who won't be. But if you look at some
of the pillars of this defense that'll be back. And
if you get guys healthy who are dinged up right
now that can come back next year. You put together
some wins here late in the season and play like
(12:44):
you're playing for a playoff worth like this team is
right now, that can just really be a springboard for
a lot of success next year.
Speaker 2 (12:50):
NLUs your draft pick Dan Morgan has been drafting well,
and I'm sure we'll see some free agentcy moves.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
Certainly what they did with that offensive line, it was amazing.
That's another thing. This rookie class.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Oh my goodness, you know your Shaw Smith, Wade's your
your Jalen Coker is not to mention Xavier League at
like that you were saying, who isn't who wasn't playing
in this last game, But j T Sanders, you know.
Speaker 3 (13:15):
These guys at all. It's like everybody. I mean, they're
all playing extremely well.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
It was a It's been a great draft class. So
I'm excited to see what happens with this draft class.
And like you said, man, next year could be something really,
really special. And I do think an important part of that,
like you said, is finishing this season strong. Yeah, and
these guys are invested. I tell you who else is invested.
I know you saw this yesterday, the fans that showed.
Speaker 4 (13:43):
Up to oh my god, oh wow.
Speaker 1 (13:45):
Yes. If you were at the game yesterday, thank you.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
And if you weren't, I'm sure you were yelling at
your TVs or your radios as we went into overtime.
But we're starting to see that. You know, first of all,
let me just say the costumes. You know how it
is when it gets close to Christmas, the costumes. I
love it, everyone braving the elements and then just just
the yelling. You know, we're starting to hear I mentioned
this to Luke Keigley, We're starting to hear tube tube
(14:10):
But you know, certainly Luke and Mussa and Mohammad know that. Well,
we're starting to hear that. We're starting to hear the
chance break out. You know, block that kick. You can't
do that. You know, all the fun stuff. Yep. That
this that these fans up bring the loudness on third down,
and the team feeds off of that.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
You know. Sam Franklin was out there yesterday, Sharon. I
don't know if you saw this. He's out there high
five and the people on the fifty.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
You know, it's not just like calling put your hands
in the air, calling for a loudness on third down.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
He's really getting into it.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
And I'm so happy for the fans, and I just
think it's wonderful.
Speaker 4 (14:43):
Oh, I agree, and I love it that.
Speaker 3 (14:45):
Yesterday in the locker room, Robert Hunt specifically called out
the fans said thank you so much. He said, I
want to make sure that I'm on TV telling you
thank you for your support this year, because it hasn't
always been easy and this fan base has had to
struggle through some rough seasons.
Speaker 4 (14:59):
But now you know, they're just they're just eating it up.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
I think the success this team is having, even if
they're not coming with the wins, like some of these games,
they haven't come out with the win, but they see
what they're doing, they see the effort, they see the fight,
they see the toughness, they see the want in this team,
and they see the direction just going and we are
on an upward trajectory. This team is climbing. They are
not going down the back end. They are climbing, and
(15:23):
this fan base is loving it. And they see what
there's hope out there. They see what the what these
rookies are doing. They see what Bryce Young is doing,
they see what they're seeing, what these veterans on defense
are doing, what coach Canalis is brought to this team.
I mean, I think that people are just really loving
it and they see what the potential is for this
team and they're their form and I love it that
they were able to give them that early Christmas present
(15:44):
yesterday with that win.
Speaker 4 (15:45):
That was just awesome.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
Something that stuck out in my head that that Dave
Canellos said last week. I asked him, I said, this
is your this is your last home game, first year
here with the Panthers.
Speaker 1 (15:56):
How's it been?
Speaker 2 (15:57):
And he said, you know, it starts with the guys
in the locker room, he said, but my biggest hope
is that we can go out on a note that
our fans can be proud of. He said, I'm so
proud of our progress. But I want to leave them
with a product that we can be proud of and
exhibit our brand of Panthers football, which is toughness, which
is you know, ball security, which is enthusiasm.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
And I think they did that.
Speaker 2 (16:21):
I don't think you can ask for a better, as
you said, a better holiday gift for these fans and
for these players. Yeah, then to go into then to
go into this Christmas with this big win, and then
to finish off the last two games, you know, last
two division games, they're big ones. And Sharon, you are
going to be on the road there in Tampa. So
I know it's early. I know we're early, It's only Monday.
(16:43):
But what are you seeing that the Panthers are going
to be up against this time at Tampa Bay.
Speaker 3 (16:46):
Well, I think everybody knows this offense for Tampa Bay.
You saw what they did last time. Baker Mayfield still
bawling out. I think he's third in the NFL right
now with thirty six touchdown passes. He's got like thirty
four to thirty six. I can't He's got some insane
amount of touchdown passes. Third in the league.
Speaker 4 (17:02):
There.
Speaker 3 (17:03):
They're really good on third down. I think they're second
in the league on third down. Their rushing game, it's
just been tremendous, led by their phenomenal rookie Bucky every
and of course you've got the ageless wonder Mike Evans
who just never slows down. He is one hundred and
eighty two yards away from his eleventh straight thousand yard season,
which is just an amazing statistic when you think about it, though,
(17:24):
and you think, okay, one hundred eighty two years, it's
sort of tough to get in two games, but not
for him. So he's going to be the guy, the
go to guy that they're going to have to try
to slow down as always, and that was he's missed
three games this season, he still has that kind of
yards yardage, it's amazing. But then they've got just that
monster attack at running back because you've also got Rashad White,
who's amazing. He's got seven receiving touchdowns, so you've got
(17:46):
running backs that can double his receivers. And then you've
got a Mic Evangs, You've got Kitat and he was
injured last week.
Speaker 4 (17:51):
They're tight end.
Speaker 3 (17:51):
I'm not sure if he'll be back this week or not,
but They've got so many weapons on offense, and as
you mentioned, running the bar stopping the run has been
really difficult for this team. Gave up a lot of
years again this past week, but they're able to at
least make the stops when they have to. So that's
what they need to be able to do that down
there in Tampa Bay. So they've got a phenomenal offense.
Their defense is improved from when they played them here
(18:14):
a few weeks ago. They think they were like twenty
ninth in the league overall, and so now they've they've
they've crept up a little bit. They're more like, you know,
twenty fifth, twenty third, but they are now ninth in
the league in run defense. So and that's of course
what the Panthers want to do is run that football,
so they're they're doing better with that. Levante David as
always their inside linebacker, has been around thirteen years now
and he just does not slow down. So they've got
(18:37):
a lot of pieces back. Vitavea three hundred and forty
seven pound behemoth in the middle there of that defense.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
So he did last night on Sunday Night Football do
Cavante ter He's picked him up like a small child.
Speaker 3 (18:48):
Like out of the way about it. Yeah, he's just huge.
He's a beast in there in the middle. So they've
got some of their pieces back that have been injured
throughout the season, so and they've they're on a mission.
They have to win. They have to win if they
want to stay in contention with Atlanta because right now
they're tied. Both are eight and seven, but Atlanta has
the tiebreaker because they beat them had to head both times,
(19:09):
and Atlanta plays at the Commanders this week, and then
of course the Panthers finish them off at the end
of the season. So the Bucks need to win this week,
and they need the Panthers to beat Atlanta next week
if they want to be able to try and win
out this NFC South title. So there's a ton riding
on this game.
Speaker 2 (19:23):
Maybe we can help them with half exactly right, Yes, exactly,
we'll do that.
Speaker 4 (19:27):
We'll do that.
Speaker 3 (19:27):
We'll be both at speech of both then put you
out in your misery early. But yeah, so they're going
to be on a mission. It's I'm sure going to
be packed house down there. The fans are going to
be crazy because there's so much riding on this game. So,
and I know the Panthers, They've said it, you know,
all week, everybody they play, they don't care about playing spoiler.
And in fact, Jason hern didn't even realize that they
had knocked the Cardinals out yesterday until somebody told them
(19:49):
in the postgame interview. So that's not their number one focus.
Speaker 4 (19:54):
Now.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
I'm sure it would be great fun because it is
a division robble, it is Tampa. You'd love to say,
you know what, we're not going neither of you, But
that's not their main focus. They want to build on
what they've already been doing. So but it would be
a lot of fun to be able to knock off
this Tampa team get them out of the playoffs. But
they're gonna be tough out because they've got a lot
of weapons and that defense is playing better.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
We're gonna see what happens. Sharon, Merry Christmas.
Speaker 2 (20:16):
I can't wait to talk to you after what is
hopefully another Panthers win next week.
Speaker 4 (20:19):
Literally sounds great. Merry Christmas to you too.
Cheers. Kristen Balboney and Sharon Thorps loved with your Sideline Pass.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Sharon, it is a special holiday edition of Sideline Pass
and we have a lot to celebrate after that game. Wow,
overtime thriller, and we're doing this Monday, and so it
feels very very fresh still. What is the moment that
stands out to you the most about that game?
Speaker 3 (00:28):
Oh, my gosh, I mean, I hate to whittle it
down to the very end, but it was that run
by Cuba just with the absolute glee he danced into
the end zone with It was just so much fun
to see him just you know, just the way he
ran in with his arms and legs, you know, and
it was just you could tell he was just giddy
to be able to do that after you know, a
(00:50):
couple weeks ago with the against the Bucks and overtime
in the same scenario would have gone in for a
game when he touchdown and said it was the fumble.
Speaker 4 (00:57):
So to have him be able to have that just.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
Redeeming run and go in and put it away for
the Panthers was just so much fun. So that that
is the moment that just is like the best about
that game.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
For me, I completely agree.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
And you know one thing that I loved seeing from
the sideline right after that. I mean, the team celebrated
as if you know, they want a playoff game, as
they should considering all the work that they have put
into it. But one guy that I could not help
king in on. You know, the entire team came down
to celebrate Brady Christiansen, who had made this start. You know,
Cad Mays at center got sick at the last second.
(01:32):
He had the illness that was going through the offensive
line room, was a late add to that injury report
and ultimately couldn't play in the game. Brady Christensen, who
had played center for the Panthers earlier this year, was
and then cave May's got the nod after that, came
in started at center, and Sharon the smile on his face,
the celebration after that, and the game that this offensive
line had to get to but into the end zone twice,
(01:56):
it was just awesome.
Speaker 1 (01:56):
And you know that had to feel so good for him.
Speaker 2 (01:58):
But he was picking guys up, coaches, celebrating, looking for
his family in the stands, and I think that was
really a microcosm of how everyone felt on this team,
a hard fought win and one sharing that you know,
this is the hump that they were trying to get over,
and they did it.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
That has got to feel so satisfying.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
Oh.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
Absolutely, Like you said, this has been a long time coming,
because you had the Germany win, you had the Saints win,
but then it was those games that were just right
there to be had, starting with the Chiefs and on
down through you know, the Bucks and then the Eagles
and then obviously the game last week against Dallas was
a forgettable one, but they had those other ones where
it was the same type of scenario where it was
(02:38):
within your grasp and then it had just slipped away.
Speaker 4 (02:40):
And so to be able to finally.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Put it all together to get that key defensive stop,
to get that sack and force the punt in overtime,
because I was just scared to death that they was
just going to be a field goal with the Cardinals
and a walk off field gals.
Speaker 4 (02:52):
I was like, no, you can't do this to me again.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
So it was it was just so cool to see
it finally come to fruition, to get the finish that
they have just been talking about for weeks now. We've
got to finish plays, finish drives, finish the game. And
they were able to do that yesterday, and that was
just so gratifying, just for me being just part of
the broadcast team, to be able to see them do
that and be so excited about it. I know that
(03:15):
they as the team and as the players and as
the coaches and the staff are just like beyond thrilled
and satisfied and just feel so good to be able
to finally get it done.
Speaker 4 (03:24):
And the way they did it was just so perfect.
To be able to keep pounding the football.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
I mean, Tuba with one hundred and fifty two rushing yards,
and that's what they want from this team. They want
to be a running team. They want to be a
hard nosed defense. And they were able to put it
all together yesterday and come out on top, and against
the team who was no slouch I mean the Cardinals.
I mean they've had their ups and downs, but seven
and seven and in the run for a playoff berth,
so this was this was a must win game for Arizona,
so they weren't certainly not taking it easy or anything
(03:49):
like that. So this was a good performance against a
good team with a dynamic quarterback of phenomenal running back.
So it was a huge win for this team and
it was awesome to see it.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
I want to go through to that offense. I'm going
to talk to Dave Canallis. You're going to talk to
Dave Canalis. Both of us will a little bit later.
And what I want to know is, was that game
offensively the game that he is the most proud of,
you know, and we talked about that a little bit
on the broadcast, but you know, they go down on
that for you just mentioned it with running the ball.
They go down on that first drive, they eat up
(04:20):
a ton of clock something like eight minutes, and they
come away with the score. And that is what they
wanted to do last week against the Cowboys, and it
ended with that fumble.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
And Dave Canallis makes no secret.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Look, every team in the NFL wants to do this,
which is play with a lead, right run the ball.
But that really is what they predicate their offense on.
They don't want to get into those passing downs, those
passing situations. They want to play with the lead and
they want to run that ball down everyone's throat.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
And they were able to do it. As you said, Sharon.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
They were able to offensively play the style of football
that they wanted to do, eat up those minutes and
then score, you know, capitalize off of that. And it
felt like, you know what, they put up twenty points
in the in the first half, Yeah, over thirty to
end the game, and it felt like, not only did
they win that one, but at least on the offensive
side of the ball.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
I'm sure they would say, hey, defense, we would love
if you don't.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Give up that many points, right, or that many rushing yards,
but at least on the offensive side of the ball.
That not only did they win, but it was one
in the way in which this offense wanted to win.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
And a big part of.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
That was Bryce Young. Sure, and he looked tough out
there yesterday. I mean we've seen that every single week.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
Well what I'm smiling because what I loved was seeing
him no matter if he got hit, if he went
down to anything, he just kept popping back up with
that big old smile on his face. It was almost
like bringing on, give me more. I mean, he was
just like he's having fun out there. You can really
see it. And that's just such a game changer because
if you're nervous or if you're scared, or if you're
(05:46):
you know, stressed out or feeling pressure, you're not having fun.
And you know that's a lot of the games that
he's head over his career, you know, have been that way.
Not everything I just mentioned, not scared, et cetera, but
they've been pressure packed.
Speaker 4 (05:58):
It's been hard.
Speaker 3 (05:59):
You know, it's been difficult when you know the guys
are coming at you on the defense and you're not
getting to protection. Last year in particularly, it was tough.
And the first couple of games this year, we're not
you know, fun for him, I'm sure. But now every
game he's just getting better and better and more and
more confidence just like oozing from him.
Speaker 4 (06:15):
The confidence.
Speaker 3 (06:16):
Now he's just got swagger out there, which has really
developed over this season, I think. And now he's having fun.
And I think it was awesome to see him bounce
back from last week and that could have been a
really a season changer for a quarterback to have fort
that is tough to come back from that, but it
was like it never even happened. I mean, the way
(06:37):
he came out and played it was was like, yeah, whatever,
moving on from that one, and he truly did I
think this whole team really, you know, shut the book
on that, and they said, all right, that game's in
the past. It was an aberration. We're going to show
people what we're made of. This is the team who
we are. And they came out and did that, starting
with Bryce, and he just looked like he was having
a blast out there. And I can't wait to see
him this week against Tampa because I think it's just
(06:58):
going to continue.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
I agree, and that something that Dave Canal has told
us last week, and this is this is one of
those things that is easy to say, and sometimes you
don't know if it's someone saying it for a pr
reason or not. And I can assure everyone listening that
it's not. Is that on the sideline last week with
that four turnover game, Rice, he looked different. He looked
different than the games of last season and the first
(07:19):
two games of this season. Where as you said, it
was just tough, it was tough during those games, and
he didn't waiver in his confidence last week despite having
all of those turnovers.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
He was leading.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
He was he was equal parts upset at himself but
then also reassuring the guys like I got you, like
this was my fault, that this one was my fault.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
I got you.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
And as he and Dave Canal say, as long as
there are downs and time on the clock, we feel
confident that we can make something happen. And I don't
think that belief went away last week. And therefore, as
you said, you get to build on it and sharing
what you said. The harder he got hit yesterday, the.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
More exciting he was. Like you said, he just popped up.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
There was a couple it was like that first scramble
where he kind of like trucked through a defender and
I was like, slide Bryce side, you know, But it's
he's showing this this toughness. And I'll tell you who
on our broadcast yesterday, if Luke Keickley says you're tough
multiple times, Yeah, you're tough, You're.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
Tough, who couldn't get over. He just kept saying Bryce's toughness.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
Bryce's toughness, you know, in the pocket, standing tall, knowing
that he's gonna get hit, going in for another rushing touchdown,
and that on that drive that he that he.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
Scored with his legs. Yeah, that other huge run too.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
He was like fifty seven rushing yards on that touchdown,
And man, I know that we keep saying, but it
is just fun to see. And I completely agreed that
next week will even be the next step, and it's
gonna be it's gonna be a fun one because of
how close they played the Bucks last time.
Speaker 3 (08:47):
Yeah, oh absolutely, And they've got something to prove. You know,
they've got something to prove. This is a division rival
who just stole one from them in their own house
with that overtime field goal, which is a backbreaker, and
you know a lot of people would say, you know,
we had that one in the bag except for the
inopportune fumble there. So they feel like they owe this team.
And I think they're playing much better than they were
(09:09):
a month ago when they played this Bucks team. They're
playing better football right now. So I would certainly think
that they're going to go down there with something to prove.
And you never, hopefully you get exaviorly get back. I mean,
you remember too, and Bryce has not been playing with
the full deck in terms of you know, his weapons.
Every Brooks injured now, so you've got, you know, a
sort of a bunch of guys having to step up
(09:31):
and make plays.
Speaker 4 (09:31):
And they're doing it.
Speaker 3 (09:32):
But if if you could exaviorly get back out there
again too, then all of a sudden you just open
up the receiving game as well. So I think that
this team is going to go down there and show
a ton of fight and be out to prove something
against this Bucks team that really stole one from them
here at BMA.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
You think Chewbat has a little bit of a chip
on his shoulder when he goes down.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
There, absolutely absolutely, And I know he's going to be
holding onto that football for dear life he was talking
about yesterd. Let you know that the ball security was
certainly a focus all week forever Bey on the team.
Speaker 4 (10:00):
No matter who the ball carrier is.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
It's as coach Canalo said, no matter who's carrying the ball,
you're protecting it for the entire team. You're holding the
ball for the team. So you got to have that mindset,
and I know that they do every time anyway. But
certainly I'm sure that Tuba's got it more in his
head than ever before, and he made sure to hold
onto that ball ty yesterday dancing into the endside, and
I would love him to be able to do that
down there against the Bucks.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
One thing that I really want to talk about with
you is the fact that this team is playing so hard,
you know. I mean that was their fourth win of
the season. They could all look out for themselves. They
could take it a little bit easier, they could show
up in a way that is not the way in
which you would think maybe a team at this point in.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
The season would.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
They could do all those things, and they are playing
hard for each other, They are playing hard for this
coaching staff, and I think, like you said, the confidence
is building, the belief is building, and they want to
get it right to end the season. They want to
finish this out strong. They wanted that win. And I
really you know, for anyone who didn't see it or
hear it yesterday, the way they celebrated, man, you can
(11:07):
see something really special coming together. And Sharon, I think
it's something that the national media is starting to pick
up on. They don't have to play hard right now.
They don't have to and they are fighting tooth and nail. Yeah,
it's great to see.
Speaker 4 (11:19):
Yeah, and that's the guys.
Speaker 3 (11:20):
That was one thing that guys have been talking about
over the really the past couple of weeks, but jac
Horne in particular was just talking about that this past week. Say,
he said that, you know a lot of teams, a
lot of players can just cash it in right now.
You know, you've got technically nothing to play for and
take care of yourselves, your body. You could just cash
it in and say, you know what, hey, we got
nothing to play for. We're just going to coast it in.
(11:41):
You know, just show up, make some plays, get off field,
go home again kind of thing, he said. But nobody,
nobody on this team is doing that because they want
to show what they're capable of. And so we've shown
glimpses of it, and now we want to show everybody
what we can do as a football team and then
use it as a building block to go into next season,
because that that's so important. How you finish this season
(12:02):
can really predicate how you do the next season. I
really truly believe that that You've seen it around here
before in years past, where you might not start off
to gray, but then you come out, you know, win
for you last six games when whatever it may be.
They did that back in the John Fox air with
Coach Rivera. They've done that in the past and turn
that into a building block and just take off pick
up where you left off kind of thing going into
(12:22):
the next season. And when you think about the guys
that you're going to get back next year from a
health standpoint, like a Derek Brown, hopefully a Shaq Thompson.
You know, you never know who's going to be back
and who won't be. But if you look at some
of the pillars of this defense that'll be back. And
if you get guys healthy who are dinged up right
now that can come back next year. You put together
some wins here late in the season and play like
(12:44):
you're playing for a playoff worth like this team is
right now, that can just really be a springboard for
a lot of success next year.
Speaker 2 (12:50):
NLUs your draft pick Dan Morgan has been drafting well,
and I'm sure we'll see some free agentcy moves.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
Certainly what they did with that offensive line, it was amazing.
That's another thing. This rookie class.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Oh my goodness, you know your Shaw Smith, Wade's your
your Jalen Coker is not to mention Xavier League at
like that you were saying, who isn't who wasn't playing
in this last game, But j T Sanders, you know.
Speaker 3 (13:15):
These guys at all. It's like everybody. I mean, they're
all playing extremely well.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
It was a It's been a great draft class. So
I'm excited to see what happens with this draft class.
And like you said, man, next year could be something really,
really special. And I do think an important part of that,
like you said, is finishing this season strong. Yeah, and
these guys are invested. I tell you who else is invested.
I know you saw this yesterday, the fans that showed.
Speaker 4 (13:43):
Up to oh my god, oh wow.
Speaker 1 (13:45):
Yes. If you were at the game yesterday, thank you.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
And if you weren't, I'm sure you were yelling at
your TVs or your radios as we went into overtime.
But we're starting to see that. You know, first of all,
let me just say the costumes. You know how it
is when it gets close to Christmas, the costumes. I
love it, everyone braving the elements and then just just
the yelling. You know, we're starting to hear I mentioned
this to Luke Keigley, We're starting to hear tube tube
(14:10):
But you know, certainly Luke and Mussa and Mohammad know that. Well,
we're starting to hear that. We're starting to hear the
chance break out. You know, block that kick. You can't
do that. You know, all the fun stuff. Yep. That
this that these fans up bring the loudness on third down,
and the team feeds off of that.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
You know. Sam Franklin was out there yesterday, Sharon. I
don't know if you saw this. He's out there high
five and the people on the fifty.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
You know, it's not just like calling put your hands
in the air, calling for a loudness on third down.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
He's really getting into it.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
And I'm so happy for the fans, and I just
think it's wonderful.
Speaker 4 (14:43):
Oh, I agree, and I love it that.
Speaker 3 (14:45):
Yesterday in the locker room, Robert Hunt specifically called out
the fans said thank you so much. He said, I
want to make sure that I'm on TV telling you
thank you for your support this year, because it hasn't
always been easy and this fan base has had to
struggle through some rough seasons.
Speaker 4 (14:59):
But now you know, they're just they're just eating it up.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
I think the success this team is having, even if
they're not coming with the wins, like some of these games,
they haven't come out with the win, but they see
what they're doing, they see the effort, they see the fight,
they see the toughness, they see the want in this team,
and they see the direction just going and we are
on an upward trajectory. This team is climbing. They are
not going down the back end. They are climbing, and
(15:23):
this fan base is loving it. And they see what
there's hope out there. They see what the what these
rookies are doing. They see what Bryce Young is doing,
they see what they're seeing, what these veterans on defense
are doing, what coach Canalis is brought to this team.
I mean, I think that people are just really loving
it and they see what the potential is for this
team and they're their form and I love it that
they were able to give them that early Christmas present
(15:44):
yesterday with that win.
Speaker 4 (15:45):
That was just awesome.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
Something that stuck out in my head that that Dave
Canellos said last week. I asked him, I said, this
is your this is your last home game, first year
here with the Panthers.
Speaker 1 (15:56):
How's it been?
Speaker 2 (15:57):
And he said, you know, it starts with the guys
in the locker room, he said, but my biggest hope
is that we can go out on a note that
our fans can be proud of. He said, I'm so
proud of our progress. But I want to leave them
with a product that we can be proud of and
exhibit our brand of Panthers football, which is toughness, which
is you know, ball security, which is enthusiasm.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
And I think they did that.
Speaker 2 (16:21):
I don't think you can ask for a better, as
you said, a better holiday gift for these fans and
for these players. Yeah, then to go into then to
go into this Christmas with this big win, and then
to finish off the last two games, you know, last
two division games, they're big ones. And Sharon, you are
going to be on the road there in Tampa. So
I know it's early. I know we're early, It's only Monday.
(16:43):
But what are you seeing that the Panthers are going
to be up against this time at Tampa Bay.
Speaker 3 (16:46):
Well, I think everybody knows this offense for Tampa Bay.
You saw what they did last time. Baker Mayfield still
bawling out. I think he's third in the NFL right
now with thirty six touchdown passes. He's got like thirty
four to thirty six. I can't He's got some insane
amount of touchdown passes. Third in the league.
Speaker 4 (17:02):
There.
Speaker 3 (17:03):
They're really good on third down. I think they're second
in the league on third down. Their rushing game, it's
just been tremendous, led by their phenomenal rookie Bucky every
and of course you've got the ageless wonder Mike Evans
who just never slows down. He is one hundred and
eighty two yards away from his eleventh straight thousand yard season,
which is just an amazing statistic when you think about it, though,
(17:24):
and you think, okay, one hundred eighty two years, it's
sort of tough to get in two games, but not
for him. So he's going to be the guy, the
go to guy that they're going to have to try
to slow down as always, and that was he's missed
three games this season, he still has that kind of
yards yardage, it's amazing. But then they've got just that
monster attack at running back because you've also got Rashad White,
who's amazing. He's got seven receiving touchdowns, so you've got
(17:46):
running backs that can double his receivers. And then you've
got a Mic Evangs, You've got Kitat and he was
injured last week.
Speaker 4 (17:51):
They're tight end.
Speaker 3 (17:51):
I'm not sure if he'll be back this week or not,
but They've got so many weapons on offense, and as
you mentioned, running the bar stopping the run has been
really difficult for this team. Gave up a lot of
years again this past week, but they're able to at
least make the stops when they have to. So that's
what they need to be able to do that down
there in Tampa Bay. So they've got a phenomenal offense.
Their defense is improved from when they played them here
(18:14):
a few weeks ago. They think they were like twenty
ninth in the league overall, and so now they've they've
they've crept up a little bit. They're more like, you know,
twenty fifth, twenty third, but they are now ninth in
the league in run defense. So and that's of course
what the Panthers want to do is run that football,
so they're they're doing better with that. Levante David as
always their inside linebacker, has been around thirteen years now
and he just does not slow down. So they've got
(18:37):
a lot of pieces back. Vitavea three hundred and forty
seven pound behemoth in the middle there of that defense.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
So he did last night on Sunday Night Football do
Cavante ter He's picked him up like a small child.
Speaker 3 (18:48):
Like out of the way about it. Yeah, he's just huge.
He's a beast in there in the middle. So they've
got some of their pieces back that have been injured
throughout the season, so and they've they're on a mission.
They have to win. They have to win if they
want to stay in contention with Atlanta because right now
they're tied. Both are eight and seven, but Atlanta has
the tiebreaker because they beat them had to head both times,
(19:09):
and Atlanta plays at the Commanders this week, and then
of course the Panthers finish them off at the end
of the season. So the Bucks need to win this week,
and they need the Panthers to beat Atlanta next week
if they want to be able to try and win
out this NFC South title. So there's a ton riding
on this game.
Speaker 2 (19:23):
Maybe we can help them with half exactly right, Yes, exactly,
we'll do that.
Speaker 4 (19:27):
We'll do that.
Speaker 3 (19:27):
We'll be both at speech of both then put you
out in your misery early. But yeah, so they're going
to be on a mission. It's I'm sure going to
be packed house down there. The fans are going to
be crazy because there's so much riding on this game. So,
and I know the Panthers, They've said it, you know,
all week, everybody they play, they don't care about playing spoiler.
And in fact, Jason hern didn't even realize that they
had knocked the Cardinals out yesterday until somebody told them
(19:49):
in the postgame interview. So that's not their number one focus.
Speaker 4 (19:54):
Now.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
I'm sure it would be great fun because it is
a division robble, it is Tampa. You'd love to say,
you know what, we're not going neither of you, But
that's not their main focus. They want to build on
what they've already been doing. So but it would be
a lot of fun to be able to knock off
this Tampa team get them out of the playoffs. But
they're gonna be tough out because they've got a lot
of weapons and that defense is playing better.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
We're gonna see what happens. Sharon, Merry Christmas.
Speaker 2 (20:16):
I can't wait to talk to you after what is
hopefully another Panthers win next week.
Speaker 4 (20:19):
Literally sounds great. Merry Christmas to you too.
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