Behind enemy lines with Panthers coach Ron Rivera
Here’s what Carolina coach Ron Rivera had to say:
Q: How did cornerback Charles Tillman play in his return from his knee injury last week?
A: "He played well. He was fundamentally sound. I was a little concerned because we ended up playing him more than I really wanted to for his first game back. He was in position to make the interception. I know the receiver fell down, but he was on top. So, if the receiver stayed up, there would have been a battle for the ball. I thought he played physical and he looks to have no residual effects from having gone through the knee injury."
Q: Are you worried that Josh Norman’s talking is going to hurt the team?
A: "I thought Josh and I had a nice conversation."
Q: Is it more important to beat the Falcons or rest players for the playoffs?
A: "Our biggest focus, and our main goal right now, is to get home field (advantage) throughout (the playoffs). First and foremost, this next game we play has a lot of meaning. It's an opportunity for us to clinch home field throughout, and hopefully we'll be able to do that."
Q: What is it like playing a team twice in three weeks?
A: "For the coaches, the preparation will be a little quicker. Most of the tape is broken down that they need. They add this game that they just previously played. … We'll add that to the scouting reports and we'll get the breakdown and look at it."
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
