The Carolina Panthers took another step forward Sunday on the path torward world dominance. But we might have to wait until Monday to see if the team takes a step back.
With their 38-0 demolishing of the Atlanta Falcons — a team they play again in 14 days — the Panthers upped their record to 13-0 and made the chances of an unbeaten regular season all the more likely.
Assuming the postgame injury news isn't bad.
Greg Olsen, Jonathan Stewart and Graham Gano all were hurt in the victory, but it's not clear how serious any of the injuries were. According to multiple reports, Olsen's left knee injury — which looked scary — did not indicate a torn ACL, but further testing would be needed.
But you'd never have known if the Panthers were worried. Going up 21-0 in the first, the Panthers delivered an early knockout blow. The Falcons, who once were 5-0 this season but are now 6-7, allowed the Panthers to run up 260 yards of offense in the first 15 minutes. It's the sixth time this season they've surpassed 30 points.
The good news was a-plenty for only the ninth NFL team to make it to 13-0 (and the first since the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints in 2009).
The Panthers clinched a first-round bye with the win are remain two games up on the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC, able to lock up the top overall seed next week with a win against the New York Giants and a Cardinals loss.
Cam Newton delivered two early bombs, both to Ted Ginn Jr., for 74 and 46 yards — and both for scores. His MVP campaign received a boost despite the early exit, letting Derek Anderson come in to close.
Kawann Short delivered two more sacks, bringing his season total to nine.
The defense forced four turnovers, and the second-teamers preserved the shutout in the waning moments on a goal-line stand.
That's all great. But injuries to Olsen and Stewart are concerning. Especially Olsen, although it appears the Panthers might have dodged a very serious bullet with both. That's why Newton, who exposed himself to potential injury yet again with a few carefree runs in the first half, would be smart to preserve himself a little better in the next few games.
Injuries might be the only thing that prevent the Panthers from turning in the NFL's third-ever unbeaten regular season, but are they built to last? That's the thing, winning the Super Bowl, they have said they're most worried about.
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