The Carolina Panthers enter this weekend’s playoff game with the best record in the NFL and an extra week of rest. They’ll host the Seattle Seahawks, who knocked them out of the playoffs last year.
Last season, the Panthers made the playoffs despite a losing record, then beat the Arizona Cardinals at home before losing to Seattle on the road.
This season, the Panthers went undefeated through their first 14 games. They finished with a 15-1 record and a first-round playoff bye.
Quarterback Cam Newton has the most total touchdowns in the NFL: 45 when you combine passing and running.
“We’re excited for the opportunity that we do have,” he says. “We’ve been feeling extremely confident in each and every game that we’ve played, and this game is nothing different.”
Newton says playing Seattle at home will help the Panthers keep their edge. The team has sold out 135 consecutive games, a streak that’s lasted through up and down years.
Panthers co-captain Ryan Kalil has played for the team since 2007.
“Our fans have been incredible since I’ve been here,” he says. “We’ve had all these consecutive sold out games, and this season has been really special. You get to playoffs, that energy goes up, and I couldn’t be more excited to play that first game here.”
Kickoff at Bank of America Stadium in uptown is Sunday afternoon at 1:00.