What does it mean to you or the team to have such a great winning record at home this season?
Having a strong record at home means everything to this team and this organization. When we step out onto that field and hear the crowd chanting 'Keep Pounding,' it’s more than just noise; it’s a connection to something bigger. It’s a rallying cry that represents the resilience and spirit of not just the players, but the entire Panthers community. ‘Keep Pounding’ isn’t just a slogan—it’s a legacy. It’s Sam Mills’ legacy. You look back at what Sam Mills meant to this team as a player, as a coach, and as a leader. His speech before the 2003 playoffs, when he told the team to 'keep pounding' despite his battle with cancer, has become a cornerstone of what it means to wear this jersey.
So, every time we’re out there at Bank of America Stadium, we’re not just playing for ourselves—we’re playing for everyone in those stands, for the people who have supported this team through thick and thin, and for the legacy of men like Sam Mills. Having a winning record at home is about defending that legacy, about showing that when you come into our house, you’re going to face a team and a fanbase that doesn’t quit, no matter the odds. Hearing that chant from the crowd gives us energy, it gives us purpose, and it reminds us why we do what we do. It’s special, and we don’t take it for granted.
Can you summarize what it was like playing against the Saints last week?
Playing against the Saints is never easy, especially in the Superdome. They’re one of the better defenses we’ve faced this season, and they made us fight for every yard. It was a gritty win, the kind of game that shows you what your team is made of. We went into the 4th quarter down 10-0, and let’s be honest, a lot of teams might have folded in that situation. But not this group. Our guys kept fighting, kept believing, and we found a way to claw our way back into it. To score 10 unanswered points late in the 4th quarter in that kind of hostile environment and force overtime—it’s the kind of effort that makes you proud as a coach.
And then in overtime, it was our defense that really stepped up. They held strong, made key stops, and put us in position for the game-winning field goal. When you win a game like that, it’s about more than just the score—it’s about the heart and determination it takes to push through adversity. We know the Saints are a tough team, and getting a win against them on their turf is something we’ll take with us as we move forward. It wasn’t perfect, but it was the kind of win that builds character and shows what this team is capable of.
How has Taysom Hill’s experience in the league helped the team so far?
Taysom Hill has been an incredible asset to this team, and it’s clear that he’s still got it. He’s the ultimate Swiss Army knife—there’s nothing he can’t do on the field. One minute he’s throwing a pass, the next he’s running for a first down, and then he’s catching a key reception. His versatility is unmatched, and it gives us so many options offensively. Beyond that, his leadership and experience bring a lot to this locker room. Taysom’s been around the league, he’s seen it all, and he knows how to keep the team grounded and focused no matter what the situation.
We also know how much this season means to him personally. He was definitely happy to get a win against the Saints, the team that let him go when he felt like he still had more left in the tank. And we’re trying to do right by him—we want to get him a ring. He’s been such a selfless player throughout his career, always willing to do whatever the team needs, and now we want to help him cap off that career with a championship. We don’t know how many more seasons he’s going to want to play, but while he’s here, he’s making an impact in every way possible, both on and off the field.
