CHARLOTTE – When you a win a Divisional Playoff game, it doesn't really matter who you beat. You're going to be thrilled to be one win from the Super Bowl regardless.
But that said, did beating the two-time NFC champion Seattle Seahawks, winners of the Super Bowl two seasons ago, make Sunday's 31-24 triumph a little more special?
It depends who you ask; depends what they're willing to share.
But several Panthers couldn't deny it.
"I would be lying to you if I said that it didn't feel good to go out and beat Seattle," linebacker Thomas Davis said. "They've been the team to beat in the conference for the last few years. For us to go out and beat this team – a team we haven't beaten here at home in three or four tries – it was definitely rewarding."
In head coach Ron Rivera's tenure, the Panthers have played the Seahawks in the regular season four times. Carolina's only win came at Seattle in Week 6 of this season. Each of those three losses was by no more than five points.
Last year, Seattle ended Carolina's season in the NFC Divisional round with a 31-17 victory.
This year, the roles revered.
"We have a ton of respect for them," tight end Greg Olsen said. "Everything they've accomplished, they've earned. That's a really good team now – they're not winning by accident. They have a lot of good players, they have a good system. We've said all along our path to being relevant here means we've got to knock off one of these teams that has haunted us and kind of ruled the NFC for a while."
Those hard-fought battles created a strong mutual respect between these two teams. Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett once famously called the Panthers "an attractive cousin" because of how similar the two teams are in their philosophy and approach.
Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery said the Seahawks tipped their cap to the Panthers after their latest encounter at Bank of America Stadium.
"That's exactly what it was like," Cotchery said. "I think they knew what type of team we were and they respected that just like we respect them. You could feel that mutual respect, especially after the game. Some of their guys were like, 'Hey, 'Go and win it.'"
Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson shared that sentiment with several Panthers, most notably his quarterback counterpart Cam Newton. Earl Thomas jokingly said to Newton, "It's about time."
Want to be the last team standing? Beat a team that knows how to get there.
"We wanted that missed field goal in Minnesota last week," safety Tre Boston said. "We wanted these guys to come into our home. It was amazing to come out with this win."
Does beating the Seahawks make a statement to the outside world? The Panthers aren't so much interested in that.
Their only concern is finishing the job after taking a monumental step.
"We're not trying to make statements. We know we have a great team," Cotchery said. "We try to approach it the right way and see how that plays out."
View game action photos from Carolina's 31-24 win over Seattle.
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates a Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) celebrates his touchdown with Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (98) stops Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) runs an intercepted ball as Seattle Seahawks center Patrick Lewis (65) looks on during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. Kuechly scored a touchdown on the play. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) runs an intercepted ball as Seattle Seahawks center Patrick Lewis (65) looks on during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. Kuechly scored a touchdown on the play. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) celebrates tackling Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert (35) runs against Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane (20) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) signifies a first down against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) calls a play against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs against Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor (31) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) heads for the end zone for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts to play against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
A Carolina Panthers fan cheers during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) tackles Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (82) moves by Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) makes a touchdown catch against Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane (20) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) makes a touchdown catch against Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane (20) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) leaps into the arms of Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) after a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs by Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Allen (69) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Kevin Smith (17) makes a catch against Carolina Panthers defensive back Cortland Finnegan (26) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) makes a touchdown catch against Carolina Panthers defensive back Robert McClain (27) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs by Carolina Panthers defensive back Cortland Finnegan (26) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Dwan Edwards (92) celebrates sacking Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) makes a touchdown catch against Carolina Panthers free safety Kurt Coleman (20) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers defensive back Robert McClain (27) breaks up a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers free safety Kurt Coleman (20) tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback DeShawn Shead (35) runs the ball after a fake punt against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback DeShawn Shead (35) runs past Carolina Panthers linebacker Ben Jacobs (53) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) tackles Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) moves against Carolina Panthers defensive back Cortland Finnegan (26) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera speaks to referee Tony Corrente (99) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) makes a catch on Carolina Panthers defensive back Robert McClain (27) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) makes the catch as Carolina Panthers free safety Kurt Coleman (20) looks on during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers defensive back Robert McClain and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) vie for a passed ball during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera walks on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) receives an on-side kick from the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 31-24. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Shaq Green-Thompson (54) and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrate after the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 31-24. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates with Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) after Davis caught the onside kick made by Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 31-24. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) cheers on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Carolina Panthers won 31-24.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 31-24. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, left, speaks with Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll after the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 31-24. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) speaks with Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) after the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 31-24. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates with fans after the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 31-24. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
