Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales challenged his team ahead of their Week 18 matchup.
The Carolina Panthers are heading into their most important game since Cam Newton was their quarterback.
With a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18, the Panthers would clinch a playoff berth for the first time since the 2017 season.
A loss and the Panthers would still have a chance at making it to the postseason, as if the Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints, it would eliminate the Buccaneers.
"We're aware of all those scenarios, and it's a pretty simple path," Canales said. "We've got to handle business and win the game, and that's got to be our focus, first and foremost. A team that I really respect and that we just played a couple weeks ago, so we have to approach this thing like we didn't just play them, don't take anything for granted, make sure we're on the details, and all the other scenarios will play out how they will."
While the Panthers have a chance to make it to the postseason through the Falcons, Canales wants his team focused on their game against Tampa Bay.
"I was watching the game [Monday] night," Canales added. "I watch every game on Monday night, and, you know, this one right here, it's got implications. But at the same time, the focus has to be there for us to be able to handle business and play our best ball."
The Panthers beat the Buccaneers in their first matchup back in Week 16, 23-20. They will look to repeat that result, but will need a bounce-back performance from quarterback Bryce Young.
Young and the Panthers fell to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17, 27-10. The former first overall pick struggled in that game, completing 14 of 24 passes for 54 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception.
He also rushed for 27 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. This was a tough performance, as with a win, the Panthers would've clinched their spot in the postseason.
This will be the biggest game of Young's career in the NFL, and if he plays well, Carolina could end their playoff drought.