Since being eliminated from playoff contention almost one month ago, the Carolina Panthers have relished the chance to play spoiler. They did it successfully against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 15 and nearly did it against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16.
Luckily for them, they’ll have another chance at it on Sunday.
Interim head coach Chris Tabor spoke to reporters for the final time ahead of his team’s matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was asked how the week leading into the Week 17 clash has gone.
“I think the guys have put themselves in a good position to give themselves a chance,” he said. “I like where we’re at, I like how they’re practicing, I like how they’re playing. And now, it gives you an opportunity to set yourself up for success. We’re playin’ a really good team that is fightin’ to go in the playoffs. So, this is a big game for us and a big game for them.”
Despite entering the contest on a four-game losing streak, the 8-7 Jaguars remain atop the AFC South. But that “lead” is only by virtue of tiebreakers, as the 8-7 Indianapolis Colts and 8-7 Houston Texans are breathing down their necks.
So, Tabor was asked if there’s any extra incentive to keep playing spoiler at the expense of Jacksonville’s postseason lives.
“Yeah, I don’t think we need outside motivation,” he replied. “But at the same time—like I’ve always said—if we’re gonna compete and we’re gonna play, let’s win. We’re not the Washington Generals playing the Globetrotters. We wanna go down, compete, play and win the game.”
