CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Observed and heard in the locker room after the Carolina Panthers' 19-17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Quarterback Cam Newton, who did not play after suffering two small fractures in his lower back during a Tuesday automobile accident near Bank of America Stadium, sat by himself in his locker, checking out messages on his phone while his teammates celebrated. Asked what it was like being a spectator, he said, "You're talking to that guy today." Newton was referring to his replacement, Derek Anderson, who completed 25 of 40 pass attempts for 277 yards and one touchdown for a QB rating of 91.4.
Anderson on doing Newton's trademark first-down signal with his arms after running for a first down in the first half: "That was for my guy [Newton]. Somebody told me I wouldn't do it. I said if I get a run for a first down, I'll do it."
Cornerback Josh Norman on whether it feels real to be in a tight playoff race with New Orleans (5-8) and Atlanta (5-9) despite having a 5-8-1 record: "I don't know. Pinch me and we'll see. We've got to get these games. They're all lining up for us."
Somehow Norman wound up talking about his contact lenses. That led to a conversation about defensive end Greg Hardy (aka The Kraken) and the black contact lenses he wore in games before being placed on the commissioner's exempt list until his domestic violence case is resolved. "I miss that guy," Norman said. "Me and him out there together ... If we were on the field together, somebody would have to carry us off in a straitjacket."
Defensive end Charles Johnson, who had three tackles behind the line of scrimmage, on his strong finish to the season: "Just maxing out, man. Finishing the season strong."
Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery, who caught Carolina's only touchdown pass, said people can make a mockery of the Panthers being in the playoff hunt if they want. "People can make all the jokes they want," he said, "but at the end of the day, we're playing meaningful games."
Carolina coach Ron Rivera said he won't decide whether Newton is healthy enough to play next Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns until he sees him on the field Monday and Wednesday.
