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January 19, 2004
RETURN TRIP: Mitchell's second time is more Super
By John Delong | JOURNAL REPORTER
Jeff Mitchell has been to the Super Bowl before, as a member of the Baltimore Ravens in 2000.
But after the Carolina Panthers won a trip to Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston in two weeks with a 14-3 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC championship game, Mitchell admitted that this one was a little different.
"This one is sweeter," said Mitchell, the Panthers' starting center, "because offensively, we had more to do with it than that team in Baltimore. And there was not as much anticipation. I think I'll be able to sit back and enjoy this one more."
Mitchell and the rest of the offensive line played a huge role in last night's victory, as the Panthers rushed for 155 yards and won the time of possession battle. The line didn't give up a sack, either.
Mitchell said he sensed early on last night that things were going to be good.
"I think as a team, we didn't feel much pressure," he said. "We didn't play tight. I think that was the biggest thing, everybody was loose and playing well. I recognized that early on, and I think that was a key."
Mitchell is one of four Panthers who have won Super Bowl rings - the others being wide receiver Ricky Proehl (St. Louis), tight end Jermaine Wiggins (New England) and tackle Matt Willig (San Francisco).
Mitchell doesn't figure he'll have to spend much time telling the rest of his teammates what to prepare for, however.
"You know, one thing I've noticed with this team, things like that have happened naturally," he said. "You don't really have to tell guys anything. They've all been loose and confident and just really wanting it bad. There's really nothing to tell them. From the coaches to the players, everyone's handled it beautifully.
"It's a trickle-down effect. The coaches are confident, and the players are confident."