Are the Panthers prepared?

Earlier this year, I wrote a column basically saying that the Panthers were a legit threat to win the NFC and earn a spot in their second Super Bowl.
And in my opinion, nothing has changed. So what's there to blog about right?
Well here's my latest beef with the Cats.
For years, this team has played to the level of their competition. The last two weeks have been a great evidence of that.
Regardless of what Carolina coach John Fox wants to call it, the win at Oakland two weeks ago was unbearable to watch. To steal a line from the movie Dodgeball (granted, not a classic reference there, but my movie scope is a tad limited), "I think I threw up in my mouth a little bit."
And last week's fourth quarter squeaker at home against the Lions should be as close as that Detroit team gets to winning a game this season!
They did manage to win both games, and for surface-level Panthers fans that is enough.
But those who are passionate about this team and want to see another trip to the big game the first week of February know that this team has to pick it up a notch.
It's nice to the Julius Peppers' led resurgence of the defense this year; that has to continue barnone for this team to be a contender in the playoffs.
This team also must find an identity on offense.
Jake Delhomme looks really bad right now and the running game must have good weeks and not just against the Lions or Chiefs.
That said, I still feel that come a month and a half from now, this team will play to the level of their opponents...which at that point would be a good thing.
The key is why save your best football for when you absolutely need it? Play well now and you have a great shot at hosting a playoff game or two.
Then it's up to the fans to get behind this team and make sure no team that comes into Charlotte in the playoffs has a chance to win because Bank of America Stadium is rockin' from start to finish.
We'll see what happens...