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Panthers turn attention to goal of back-to-back winning seasons after playoff loss to 49ers

Associated Press
Published | Updated

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs past Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) for a touchdown during the second half of a divisional playoff NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) (The Associated Press)

Carolina Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert (35) runs into San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) during the second half of a divisional playoff NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) (The Associated Press)

A day after losing at home to San Francisco in the NFC divisional playoffs, the Panthers turned their attention to doing something no other team in franchise history has done: reaching the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

The Panthers have been to the playoffs five times in 18 seasons, but never in consecutive years.

All-Pro fullback Mike Tolbert says the Panthers are out to change that.

"I think we're on the verge of something special, so I'm excited about the future," Tolbert says.

The Panthers returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2008 going 12-4, winning the NFC South and capturing the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. It all ended with a 23-10 loss to the 49ers, but coach Ron Rivera still called it a successful season.

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