Carolina Panthers Twenty Bracket: Capers Region

Nov 9, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers during warmups prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 55-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Capers Region 2 Seed Dom Capers vs 15 Seed Chad Cota

Second Seed – Dom Capers

The zone blitz master was the first coach of the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers even got tagged with tampering when they and the Steelers arranged for the two to meet during the playoffs. That cost the Panthers a draft pick. Capers was known as a gentleman and a perfectionist who finished his lawn mowing with a fork. He attracted a number of former Saints and Steelers to fill out his defense. Capers was fired after a 4-12 season in 1998. He led the Panthers to their first playoff appearance and first playoff win. He also set the best winning percentage mark for a first year expansion team.

Fifteenth Seed – Chad Cota

Cota was drafted in the seventh round of the Panthers’ first draft and then rose through the ranks to become a key starter at safety on the 1996 squad. Cota intercepted a ball against the Steelers that guaranteed the Panthers a NFC West title and a bye on the last day of the season. Cota was lost to the New Orleans Saints through a poison pill contract, which later allowed to leave the Saints for the Colts.