So I'm totally sports superstitious, and I've worn my 2003 NFC Champions shirt every Panthers game this year (yes I wash it, I'm not that gross.) It's faded, unlike the memories of a John Kasay kick out of bounds and an Adam Vinatieri field goal. I have legit beef with the Patriots, but not because of conspiracy theories, video taping practices, deflate gate or anything else they've been accused of. I dislike them because they're generally as good as advertised, and they beat my team in the Super Bowl.
Thus far, the year has been surprising. When KJ got injured, I had little hope. I'm still nervous every game. But tonight, I was out with a friend and when I got home, my 13 year old son, who has taken an interest in football this season, was quick to say, "And now the Panthers are the only undefeated team!" I knocked on wood, because you can't just say shit like that, and I told him, "Being undefeated means nothing if you're team is sitting at home on Super Bowl Sunday." It's like a bad consolation prize. Why am I saying all this here? Because just like being undefeated, having losses also doesn't matter if you make it to the big game. Patriots still have a great shot, despite being depleted in key areas at the moment. They'll get people back, they'll adjust, and they'll continue to win. I can only hope that my Panthers make it there to meet whatever AFC team makes it.