Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales wore a hat during his team’s Week 18 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that had the word “OPPORTUNITY” written on it.
Ironic.
Both teams enter the final day of the regular season with their respective playoff fates beyond their control. A potential Atlanta Falcons victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Jan. 4 would render the Buccaneers’ 16-14 victory in sloppy conditions Jan. 3 in Tampa moot. But if the Saints win (or tie), the Bucs would move on as the NFC’s No. 4 seed and NFC South division winners for the fifth straight season.
The Panthers cracked the window for the sliding doors scenario – a win would have automatically clinched the division title for Carolina, who can still make the playoffs with a Falcons victory.
“Shoot, I think we’re all gonna be on the seat of our – the edge of our seats (Sunday), watching that game, hoping for the outcome, for the Falcons to pull through,” Canales told reporters after the game. “At the same time, at least we have that hope to look at.”
