Panthers Playoff Dream Officially Ends

The Panthers will miss the playoffs for the second straight season.  The Panthers were officially eliminated from the NFC playoff chase with Saturday night’s 20-13 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.  Carolina is 6-and-9 with only one game left in the season, next Sunday’s trip to NFC South champion Tampa Bay.  Meanwhile the NFL Network reported Saturday night that coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney would return next season.  Fox says he will not discuss his future until after the season.  Meanwhile, veteran defensive end Mike Rucker fought back tears when asked if Saturday marked his final game at Bank of America Stadium.  Rucker is expected to decide after the season if he will retire or play another year.