Niner Noise
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NFL Power Rankings: A Week 16 Look at All 32 Teams

By Peter Panacy

Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Patriots won 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Patriots won 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) carries the ball as Washington Redskins cornerback Quinton Dunbar (47) chases in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) carries the ball as Washington Redskins cornerback Quinton Dunbar (47) chases in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

. Carolina Panthers. 19. team. 87. . 6-8

The Carolina Panthers looked like the vintage Panthers of a year ago on Monday Night Football, knocking off the playoff-hopeful Washington Redskins 26-15 in what looked like an easy contest for the road team.

Maybe this is more of a consolation prize for head coach Ron Rivera and Co. — being able to all but destroy an opponent’s playoff hopes.

Quarterback Cam Newton tossed for 300 yards and two touchdowns, and Carolina’s running game looked as if the year was 2015.

More importantly, that stout Panthers defense allowed the Redskins just two third-down conversions on 12 attempts.

Too bad this momentum came far too late in the season.