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NFL playoffs 2016: Contenders in trouble

By Russell S. Baxter

Nov 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Tennessee Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 47-25. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Tennessee Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 47-25. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) runs against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. The Chiefs won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) runs against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. The Chiefs won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers (3-6)

Just when it appeared that the defending NFC champions were about to get on a roll, they found a way to blow a 17-0 lead at home this past weekend to the Kansas City Chiefs. After losing just one regular-season game a year ago, the Panthers are all by themselves in the division basement with a 3-6 mark.

What’s Right: The running game remains respectable as long as Jonathan Stewart stays on the field. He leads the club with 334 yards on the ground, to go along with four touchdowns. Greg Olsen is still one of the top tight ends in the league and wideout Kelvin Benjamin has enjoyed a nice bounce back year. And linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis are still among the best in the business.

What’s Wrong: Quarterback Cam Newton has taken his licks and missed one game this season due to the effects of a concussion. The 2015 NFL MVP has served up only 10 touchdown passes compared to seven picks. A year ago, he toyed with teams by throwing for 35 scores while serving up only 10 interceptions. He’s been on the run as usual, ranked second on the club with 261 yards and four touchdown on the ground.

As a team, the Panthers have already committed 19 turnovers this season – equaling their regular-season total of a year ago.

But here are some real sobering numbers. Carolina has permitted 226 points and 22 offensive touchdowns in nine contests. A year ago, this club allowed 308 points and only 32 offensive TDs. And for those thinking cornerback Josh Norman was expendable, Rivera’s club has surrendered 17 scores through the air this season. In 2015, the Panthers gave up just 21 touchdown passes.

Next: Time to Earn Their Stripes

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