STORY OF THE WEEK
PANTHERS EARN SHOT AT HOME-FIELD
A few weeks ago, Carolina wasn’t even considered the favorite in its own division. But a win last Monday over Tampa Bay pushed the Panthers into the NFC South lead. And two straight losses by the New York Giants have put Carolina in position to win home-field advantage in the playoffs.
The Panthers (11-3) travel to the Meadowlands on Sunday night to face the Giants (11-3). The winner gets home-field.
Carolina pounded Denver 30-10 on Sunday, the fifth straight game in which the Panthers have scored at least 28 points. A game after DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for 301 rushing yards and four touchdowns, the Panthers used the pass (17-for-26 for 253 yards) to rout Denver.
The Panthers, 7-1 in their last eight games, have become a diverse offense — fourth in rushing and seventh in passing yards a completion, meaning Jake Delhomme is having success with play-action and throwing downfield.
Two nonplayoff years placed coach John Fox on the hot seat, but the Panthers have rebounded from seasons of 8-8 and 7-9.
“It’s awesome to be a part of it,” receiver Muhsin Muhammad said. “It’s awesome to watch it all come together.”
TEAM OF THE WEEK
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
If it seems like the Steelers fill this space often, that’s correct. That’s how impressive they have been despite playing a brutal schedule.
Pittsburgh clinched the AFC North title and a first-round bye by rallying to defeat Baltimore 13-9 on Santonio Holmes’ controversial catch that was ruled a touchdown via replay.
The Steelers limited Baltimore to 202 yards and can take the conference lead with a win at Tennessee (12-2) on Sunday. Pittsburgh is 6-1 on the road this year.
FIVE THINGS LEARNED IN WEEK 15
1. Dallas will be a tough playoff out … if it gets in. The Cowboys put aside their locker-room tensions for at least three hours and defeated the New York Giants 20-8. Jason Witten and Terrell Owens combined for eight catches, and the Cowboys’ defense allowed only 218 yards and sacked Eli Manning eight times. The Cowboys (9-5) still have some work to do, though — they’re currently the NFC’s fifth seed.
2. The Jets should give Buffalo coach Dick Jauron a playoff share. If the Jets wins the AFC East, they can thank Jauron by sending a check to western New York. On the cusp of a crushing loss, the Jets received a gift. After the two-minute warning, Jauron approved a pass call. Of course, J.P. Losman was sacked and fumbled, and Shaun Ellis returned it 11 yards for the winning touchdown in a 31-27 win.
3. Maybe sitting helped Tarvaris Jackson. The Vikings quarterback was benched after an 0-2 start, but he has played well since replacing the injured Gus Frerotte midway through last week’s game at Detroit. Minnesota rallied to beat the Lions, and Jackson was 11-for-17 for 163 yards and two first-quarter touchdowns in a 35-14 rout of the Cardinals on Sunday.
4. Tennessee could be in trouble. The Titans are 2-2 in their last four games after losing 13-12 at Houston. Quarterback Kerry Collins was only 15-for-33 for 181 yards, but the Titans will limp into the postseason. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth sprained his left MCL, and Kyle Vanden Bosch was shut down because of a groin injury. Both players will be out until the playoffs, but their productivity might not be the same.
5. It’s about time Kansas City moves on. President and general manager Carl Peterson, on the job since 1989, resigned Monday, effective the end of the season. After a productive first decade with coach Marty Schottenheimer, Peterson has been unable to match the success. During his 20 years, the Chiefs are 176-141-1 but only 2-12 this year.
NEXT MAN UP
Big injuries from Week 15:
DT Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee (knee): The big defensive tackle sprained his MCL, knocking him out until the playoffs.
WR Malcom Floyd, San Diego (collapsed lung): Floyd, injured in Sunday’s win at Kansas City, spent the night in the hospital but flew home Monday.
MLB Daryl Smith, Jacksonville (groin): He won’t be ready for Thursday’s game against Indianapolis and will be replaced by former starter Mike Peterson.
WR Derek Stanley, St. Louis (knee): He’s headed toward reconstructive surgery after being injured while losing a fumble.
DT Pat Williams, Minnesota (shoulder): The Vikings’ key defensive player will miss several weeks after reinjuring his shoulder.
NUMBERS GAME
Interesting stat about the Week 15 games:
1,421 Rushing yards for Atlanta running back Michael Turner in 14 games this season. He had 1,257 in his first 59 career games in San Diego.
HOT SEAT
Whose performance in Week 15 puts them in the spotlight for next week:
JOE FLACCO
The Ravens rookie quarterback threw two interceptions in a loss to Pittsburgh. Now he has to face Dallas on the road Saturday night. If Baltimore loses, the Ravens could find themselves out of the sixth spot if Miami and/or New England win.
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