The tidal wave of positivity that enveloped the Carolina Panthers before their prime-time game against the San Francisco 49ers was fool's gold. Head coach Dave Canales' squad once again fell short under the national spotlight, but even though fans were disappointed, they are not out of the fight just yet.
Carolina didn't lose any ground in the NFC South title race. They are 6-6 with everything in front of them down the stretch. Destiny is in their hands, but whether they can pick themselves off the canvas again is another matter.
There is no time to wallow in self-pity.