By now, everyone knows that the NFC South race will probably be won by a team with a losing record. Heading into today’s games, every team in the NFC South was still in the race. The last few weeks will be interesting to watch to find out what team can put together enough good games to claim a home field game in the playoffs.
As Week 13 comes to a close, fans can say that the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons played like teams in the hunt for a division title. The Carolina Panthers, on the other hand, played like a team with no fight left and whose season is already over.
The Panthers had arguably the easiest opponent of all the teams in the NFC South, with the Saints traveling to face Pittsburgh Steelers and the Falcons traveling to take on the Arizona Cardinals. The Panthers traveled to frigid conditions to take on the 4-7 Minnesota Vikings, which looked like a favorable matchup that could keep them in the race.
The Vikings, however, didn’t cooperate with the Panthers’ plans as they came out from the opening snap and took it to the Panthers, especially in the first half, on their way to a 31-13 victory.
The game was dominated by the intensity of the Vikings, who in contrast to the Panthers have nothing to play for but respect. The plays of the day belong to the Vikings’ special teams, who blocked two punts in the first half and returned each for a touchdown. The Panthers fell behind 28-6 by halftime and never recovered.
The Panthers are not mathematically eliminated from the playoff hunt, but they certainly appeared like a team that has no ability to pull it together to win the worst division in the NFL.
Paul Kakert is an NFL and Chicago Bears writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
With the season virtually over and done with, which Chicago Bears will be worth watching in Week 16? Take a look. Read More
Will the Detroit Lions or the Chicago Bears have the edge in their battle at Soldier Field? Here is a breakdown of their Week 16 matchup. Read More
Christmas miracles aren’t just for the movies. The San Diego Chargers are hopeful that Santa Claus can deliver one to the gridiron this holiday season. Read More
Jimmy Clausen replaces Jay Cutler at quarterback this week against the Detroit Lions, and that change may be exactly what the Bears offense needs to finally get humming. Read More
Sam Bradford isn't the answer for the St. Louis Rams, and they need jolly old St. Nick to bring them a franchise QB for Christmas. Read More
With over $50 million at their disposal, who should the Oakland Raiders think about singing in 2015? Read More
The Green Bay Packers will need Aaron Rodgers to step up if they want to emerge victorious against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16. Read More
If the Bears ever want to be relevant again, they need for Jay Cutler to finally wake up. Read More
With approximately $48 million of cap space, who should the Browns think about signing in 2015? Read More
If the Indianapolis Colts hope to win in Dallas this week, Vontae Davis has to step up and be the star of the game. Read More
The Cardinals will host the Seahawks on Sunday night. What does Arizona have to do in order to beat Seattle? Read More
As bowl season is upon us, the NFL Draft isn't far behind. Here are the top five players at each defensive position group. Read More