Interviewer: Coach. A great win out there. Rumors spread that there was heat between you two. Did that give you guys some extra motivation tonight?
Coach: Appreciate the love. I’ll say this though, I didn’t think that there was any heat between us. All one-sided if that’s the case. We are always motivated especially when they think they have us all figured out. We adjust around here.
Interviewer: Down 17-3, how did you guys stay poised? The game looked out of reach in that first half.
Coach: Season on the line. Win or go home. That was the mindset. We weren’t going down without a fight. We are 15-2 for a reason. Our Defense held it down per usual and our offense found a groove in the 2nd half.
Interviewer: As you alluded to job is not finished. But how much does it mean that this team is going to the Super Bowl?
Coach: It means a lot. We haven’t been here since the Cam Newton days. The players in the locker room deserve this and so do the fans. Super proud of these guys.
Interviewer: Super Bowl 50 was the last time that you guys were here. Like you said Cam was the quarterback. Do you see any similarities between the two teams?
Coach: In all honesty, I think we are way better than that 2015 group as a WHOLE. On both sides of the ball. The Offense looks cleaner and polished. The Defense is just all-around better. Our front 7 are the best in the league and they cause so much havoc. They make life easier for our Defensive Backs. Don’t even get me started on my Defensive Backs. They are so athletic and can RUN with anybody in the league. Hence why we had the clamps on OPOY Jamo. Speaking of that 2015 squad, fun Fact Shaq Thompson was a rookie that 2015 season with the Panthers.
Interviewer: Going up against the Bengals, a much anticipated matchup. What do you think gives your team the edge?
Coach: All I’m going to say is the TRENCHES on both sides of the ball. It’s been like that all year long and we plan on keeping it that way. Also, the fact the Bengals make a lot of mistakes. I trust my guys to make them pay for making them.
Interviewer: A win is not guaranteed. Would you call this season a success even with a loss?
Coach: You’re right a win isn’t guaranteed. They are a very talented team. Absolutely not a SINGLE person expected us to be in this position at the beginning of the year, so I believe this year was a huge success. It’s only up from here. We have plans for a Dynasty. We are here in the final stage though and the plan is to win it all.
Interviewer: I’m sure you guys are excited to be hear. The lights are all on them. How have you kept your guys focused?
Coach: The leaders on this team have kept everyone locked in to the fullest. One game at a time, win or go home. That’s the message around the locker room.
Interviewer: What do you have to say to the Carolina fans back home?
Coach: TO LOCK IN AND GET READY FOR US TO WIN OUR 1st SUPER BOWL IN FRANCHISE HISTORY.
*Fun fact Bryce Young is the 1st rookie QB to start in a Super Bowl
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