Minnesota Vikings defensive back Captain Munnerlyn, who spent the first five seasons of his career with the Carolina Panthers, believes some of his former teammates called it quits when they found themselves down in Week 3.
In a game that surprised many, the Vikings went on the road and beat Carolina a couple weeks back. The Panthers are now 1-3, but Munnerlyn says they remain “confident” and still feel they will win the NFC South. However, the veteran corner did tell Alex Marvez of Sporting News that his former team has trouble playing from behind.
“When we took the lead … I know those guys. I knew it was over,” he said earlier this week. “I’ve been in that locker room before so I knew. Those guys really don’t play well when they are down.”
That appeared to be what happened in Super Bowl 50, when the Denver Broncos jumped out to a 10-0 lead over the Panthers and never looked back.
“I’ve still got friends on the team and I still talk to those guys almost every week. They definitely are a confident group of guys,” Munnerlyn said. “I talked to [Panthers linebacker] Thomas Davis and he’s like, ‘It’s okay, man. We’re going to be alright.’”
The Panthers are at their best when they play great defense and control the clock. A lot of teams who use that formula are uncomfortable playing from behind, so what Munnerlyn said makes sense. With the way the injury situation looks heading into Week 5, Carolina is in danger of falling into a 1-4 hole.
