#KeepPounding through the playoffs: Reasons to root for the 4 teams left (except the Falcons)
It’s hard to believe that it’s only been one year since Cam Newton flipped into the end zone and the Panthers buried the Arizona Cardinals 49-15 in the NFC Championship and made it to the Super Bowl. The cold, bleak reality is the Panthers are relegated to their couches for this year’s round of semifinal games.
But football is still fun to watch, so many of us will watch this weekend’s games anyway. For those of you looking for a reason to root for one of the final four teams, this quick guide gives you the basic rundown of why and where to do it.
(1) Atlanta Falcons
Why? Because you’re a self-loathing individual who enjoys high scoring offenses, rubbing salt in your wounds, an MVP quarterback, and falconry in general.
Where? A chain restaurant maybe? Chili’s? Who cares.
(2) New England Patriots
Why? Because there is a significant amount of former Bostonians living in the Charlotte-area who haven’t told you enough about how wonderful it is to be from Title Town and how Tawmmy Brady is the GOAT. You also may enjoy watching the Pats get one step closer to the most awkward interaction between Commissioner Roger Goodell and Brady since Deflategate.
Where? Beantown Tavern. I may be a south Charlotte/Matthews homer, but I honestly don’t think there’s a better and more involved New England crowd in the region. Plus, I hear the wings are pretty good and $6 for any burger and fries on the menu every Sunday doesn’t hurt either.
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers
Why? Because there seem to be even more people from the Steel City than there are New Englanders in Charlotte, and all of these transplants would surely love some camaraderie. In addition to this, the Steelers may have the most balanced offense in all of football and a traditionally great defense that could potentially shut down the mighty Pats.
Where? Fitzgerald’s is the place to be for local Steelers fans and its no wonder why. With native Pittsburgh dishes and beer being served up in heaping portions, free parking for fans, and a number of different fan events going on during the season, Fitzgerald’s is definitely worth checking out.
(4) Green Bay Packers
Why? Do you like cheese, brats, Miller beer and Midwestern accents with a hint of Bavaria? No? Fair enough, but I know for a fact that you can’t help but root for Aaron Rodgers once you see him in action. The most exciting player in the NFL is also in charge of the league’s hottest team that has won eight straight games going into its bout with the Falcons. In addition to this, you may also be inclined to root for the team looking to oust Atlanta from the hunt because you’re a petty person — and that’s quite alright.
Where? You’ve got options. Angry Ale’s is a longtime Green Bay bar in the area and if you get there on a Sunday and can somehow manage to find a seat, you’ll have a blast tossing down Sheboygan burgers and cheese curds from the bar’s Packers Game Day Menu while surrounded by a group of Cheeseheads with levels of fandom so intense that only their cholesterol levels surpass it. You could also head to BlackFinn Ameripub in Ballantyne has become the go-to bar for the Green Bay Packers Fans of Charlotte group. With over 200 people sometimes showing up to watch the game being broadcast on almost every television in the bar, you’ll get the Lambeau experience without all the cold!
Photos: AP Photo/Mike Roemer; Courtesy of Beantown; Courtesy of Fitzgerald’s; Green Bay Packers Fans of Charlotte Facebook
This story was originally published January 19, 2017 at 8:00 PM with the headline "#KeepPounding through the playoffs: Reasons to root for the 4 teams left (except the Falcons)."