Ron Rivera has said that the Carolina Panthers are beginning to realise their potential.

The NFC South side, who beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, have won four of their last five games, leaving them second in their division.

The head coach told reporters: "It gives the guys the realisation of what our potential is. We can most certainly be relevant. Our intent is to continue to play hard and win football games and stay above [50%] to give ourselves a chance.

"In all honesty, it doesn't matter what others think. The truth of the matter is how we feel about ourselves, and we feel pretty good about who we are. Will we be tested down the line? Absolutely. Every week is a test. In this league it is very hard to win.

"I've had a couple players come up and say, 'Hey, thanks for showing confidence in us'. As a coach, that's important, because now you feel like, you know what, I am doing the right things, the players are behind me. They believe in themselves, and that's exciting."

The Panthers have not reached the playoffs since 2008.