CHARLOTTE— Dave Canales preaches consistency to his players, appreciating a moment but not letting it change their approach or mindset. But even the Panthers' head coach couldn't help but get invested while watching Sunday afternoon's showdown between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints.

"I was watching the game, wanted to make sure that I was connected to the story of it. I've got to be honest, I got a little emotionally involved in the game at times," the coach laughingly admitted on Monday.

The Panthers will face both teams, including the Bucs twice, in the final four weeks of the season. The Saints, who defeated Carolina in Week 10, are their next opponent. And there's the added factor that a Bucs loss meant the Panthers would move into a tie with Tampa for first in the d

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