Niner Noise
FanSided

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; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) attempts a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) attempts a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Boy, Redskins fans. That Monday Night Football loss certainly hurt Washington’s playoff chances.

The Redskins fell behind early against the Panthers at home but managed to close the gap before halftime, only to see Carolina put up 10 unanswered points in the third quarter.

Those scores proved to be killers — both to head coach Jay Gruden’s prospects for a game win and, likely, the postseason.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins managed to throw for 315 yards. And wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon were major contributors. But Cousins and the passing game got zero help from the guys on the ground.

That hurt. And Washington’s destiny is no longer in their own hands.