SAN FRANCISCO – This is what you should want your team to be, Atlanta. A quarterback who, against all forms of adversity, hate and defensive schemes, finds ways to win games. A defense that led the NFL in taking the ball from you and then punching you in the face. A coach who looked like he was going to be fired after two seasons but commands such respect from his players that he has won three straight NFC South titles since and now is in the Super Bowl. An owner who stays out of the way.
The Carolina Panthers will play for a championship Sunday.