Minter Sees Comparisons Between 2003 & 2015 Panthers

BUIES CREEK, NC (WCCB Charlotte) — Mike Minter’s memories of the run to Super Bowl XXXVIII have not faded.

“When we did it, it was the first time,” Minter, a former Panthers of 10-years and current head football coach at Campbell University, said. “The city was rocking.”

The big one did not fall Carolina or Minter’s way, but indeed, it was the first true taste of success as a franchise.

“Luke Kuechly, he’s another version of Dan Morgan,” Minter, a former safety, said as he reminisced on some of the greats that played alongside him on defense.

And the comparisons Minter makes between the NFC Champion team of 2003 and this year’s 15-1 squad was just beginning.

“When you have a great quarterback, someone who knows how to win football games, and a great defense. You are going to do well in this league,” Minter said. “Then you got a coach that’s a similar guy. A defensive minded guy with Foxy and Rivera. When you look at that stuff, a lot of similarities.”

Fans are hoping lightening strikes again. Carolina will begin their playoff run at Bank of America Stadium next Sunday. Minter’s advice to the Panthers: Don’t change one bit.

“When you look at playoff teams and teams that win, everyone knows their job and everyone does their job. And that’s what the Panthers have been doing.”