Cam Newton’s Teammates think he should be MVP

While the Falcons have spent the last five weeks trying to figure out how a 5-0 season turned sour, the general public (and media as well) has laser-focused on offensive coordinator Shanahan.

The Falcons’ frustrations continued to surface, as the two teams engaged in some chippy moments between plays. “Nobody wants to be a part of that”. Buffalo (6-7) fell two games behind in the AFC wild-card race. “I thought they were a complete club. When that doesn’t happen, yes, I have a lot of disappointment”.

Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan completed 22 of 34 passes for 224 yards and an interception. They made a habit out of blowing close contests-they’ve dropped four one-score games in the past six weeks-and Sunday’s performance was an all-around dumpster fire. Jones finished with seven catches for 88 yards after one play going for 46 yards.

Quarterback Cam Newton threw three touchdown passes, including two in the first half to Ted Ginn Jr, as unbeaten Carolina overwhelmed Atlanta to remain undefeated at 13-0 and clinch an opening-weekend bye in the playoffs. When Kuechly went out, backup linebacker A.J. Klein immediately came in and caused a fumble. They put a lot of pressure on you in terms of pass protection, and they did a really nice job.

“We talked about poise on the sideline today”, Quinn said. “They out-executed us in many different facets, and there’s not much more to say about that”.

Two turnovers in the third quarter set up a 38-yard field goal from Graham Gano and a 16-yard rushing touchdown from Fozzy Whittaker and Carolina were able to rest several starters, with Derek Anderson taking over from Newton late in the third.

The Panthers outgained the Falcons 424-230, forced four turnovers and matched the franchise’s largest margin of victory.

Olsen’s injury looked scary at first.

Carolina tight end Greg Olsen and running back Jonathan Stewart left the game with injuries. But Rivera said both players could have returned and were held out because the team had a big lead.

Carolina also lost cornerback Bene’ Benwikere to a leg/knee injury.

NEWTON TOUGH TO STOP: Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is clearly in a zone with 13 touchdown passes and only one interception in the last four games.

After the Falcons won the coin toss and elected to defer, the Panthers went to work establishing the ground attack.

The 49ers (4-9) allowed nine sacks and managed just 127 yards on offense before a 94-yard drive in garbage time. Tevin Coleman had three carries for 15 yards and possibly should have had more. The rout was on.

Washington 24, Bears 21: Kirk Cousins threw for 300 yards and a touchdown and Washington hung on to beat the Bears after Chicago’s Robbie Gould missed yet another late field-goal try.

“It’s fun”, Newton said. Atlanta’s longest pass play through the first three quarters went for 14 yards. Dallas’ touchdown came on Robert Turbin’s 7-yard run midway through the third quarter to make it 14-7. Kurt Coleman intercepted his seventh pass of the season, moving him into a tie for the league lead.