Fansided

One thing every NFL team can be thankful for in 2016

By John Buhler

Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) and center Travis Frederick (72) celebrate with running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) after he scored a touchdown in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) and center Travis Frederick (72) celebrate with running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) after he scored a touchdown in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) and outside linebacker Shaq Green-Thompson (54) against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) and outside linebacker Shaq Green-Thompson (54) against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers: Still able to lean on the defensive front-seven

Seeing star middle linebacker Luke Kuechly cry after sustaining a concussion was one of the worst moments of Week 11. Carolina managed to beat the rival New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football after Kuechly had to be carted off the field. He shouldn’t be rushed back to the field under any circumstance.

The Panthers are alive in the NFC South race by being only two games back of the Atlanta Falcons. Carolina is essentially in win-now mode every game the rest of the way. After a 1-5 start, Carolina should be thankful to even still have a slim shot at the NFC Playoffs at this time.

While the offense is contingent on often-injured running back Jonathan Stewart’s health, it won’t be quarterback Cam Newton that will get the Panthers in the NFC Playoffs. The only chance Carolina has if it can lean on its weakened defensive front-seven in a time of need.

Fortunately for the Panthers, they have enough playmakers up front defensively to at least keep Carolina in close, low-scoring games. Cold-weather favors the Panthers. Maybe they do have a shot at making the NFC Playoffs?

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