National sportscasters weigh in on scrutiny aimed at Panthers

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA — The Carolina Panthers winning season has brought them more media attention and some harsh criticism.

Channel 9 crews in California spoke with two legendary sportscasters about the perception of the team.

IMAGES: Behind the Scenes: 'The Dan Patrick Show' and 'The Rich Eisen Show'

Dan Patrick and Rich Eisen are two of the most authoritative voices in the NFL. They have national radio shows simulcast on the Audience Network.

This is Eisen’s 13th Super Bowl for the NFL Network and second for DirecTV and The Rich Eisen Show.

They have a refined understanding on the week leading up to the Super Bowl.

“It’s everything about everything but the game,” Eisen said.

A Super Bowl championship changes the perception of a franchise entirely, Patrick said.

Fans in the Carolinas been especially sensitive to a perceived lack of respect nationally for the team during this year’s run to the Super Bowl, he said.

“If you don't win, then you're going to be looked at as a team that wasn't that great,” Patrick said. “Great teams win Super Bowls. Win it, and you shut everybody up.”

Eisen and Patrick agree quarterback Cam Newton is handling the pressure and intense scrutiny exactly the way he should.

“Cam was born to do this,” Patrick said. “He gets it. He understands. If then you get haters who say, ‘It’s an act. He's acting like he's having fun.’ I'm fine with that.”

“Cam is great for the NFL, and I'm excited to see what he's going to do on its biggest stage,” Eisen said.

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