Falcons
- Falcons HC Arthur Smith deferred to the statement released by the franchise when asked about the arrest of WR Cameron Batson and did so again when asked if Batson was still a part of the team. (Mike Rothstein)
Panthers
The Panthers were surprisingly still in contention for a playoff entering a key game in Week 17 against the Buccaneers, and that was due in a major way to the surprising play of QB Sam Darnold, who is playing some of the best football of his career. Darnold hasnโt turned the ball over in four starts and ESPNโs David Newton says some NFL executives believe heโs playing his way into high-end backup/low-end bridge starter money, including possibly with Carolina.
โIโm not the most showy guy in the world, but Iโve always believed in myself,โ Darnold said. โThe biggest thing is staying patient and taking what the defense gives you. I know itโs clichรฉ, but itโs the easiest way to play football.โ
Darnold melted under pressure from a leaky offensive line in his first year with Carolina. This year behind a line that has quietly improved, Darnold is playing much better.
โOnce you put him behind a line that can protect him, he can go through his progressions pretty good,โ Panthers interim HC Steve Wilks said. โHeโs building a lot of confidence. You can see it. I see it in practice with each period and each rep with the throws that heโs making.โ
- NFL Mediaโs Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero write that Wilks has asserted himself as a strong candidate for the full-time coaching position with his work to close the season.
- However, the Panthers still must conduct a full search, and Rapoport and Pelissero note Panthers owner Dave Tepperโs top priority this offseason is solidifying the quarterback and offensive coaching, so heโs expected to interview a number of rising names on that side of the ball.
- If Wilks can sell his plan on the offensive side of the ball to Tepper, the two note heโll be in great position to land the job.
- The NFLPA has filed a grievance against the Panthers and the NFL for how hard the playing surface on the turf field at Bank of America Stadium was during the cold spell in their game against the Lions. (Adam Schefter)
- Panthers interim HC Steve Wilks after being eliminated from the playoffs: โWeโre gonna finish. Thatโs what men do.โ (Joe Person)
Saints
- Saints DE Cameron Jordan became the franchiseโs all-time career sack leader despite the team being eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday.
- Saints QB Andy Dalton following the teamโs elimination from the playoffs: โThereโs no quit in this team and I think that shows a lot. โฆ You want to be playing your best football at the end of the year and I think weโre doing that.โ (Katherine Terrell)
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