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An NFL team once went two months without winning a game and still made the playoffs. The 2014 Panthers beat the Bears on Oct. 5 and tied the Bengals before losing six straight, leaving them 3-8-1 on Dec. 6. Thanks to a four-game win streak (and a terrible division), Carolina (19th on offense, 21st defensively) hosted a playoff game and won it. Of course, the Cardinals were on their third quarterback, Ryan Lindley, by then to set up one of the worst playoff matchups in NFL history. The Seahawks eliminated the Panthers, but Carolina won 17 of its next 18 games en route to Super Bowl 50.
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The only injury intrigue for the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday morning was answered as defensive back Lamarcus Joyner is active for the season finale at the Denver Broncos, while defensive tackle Maurice Hurst is not active.
Both players were listed as questionable on the injury report. Joyner had a thigh injury and Hurst was dealing with a calf issue.
The Raiders will be without tackle Trent Brown and guard Denzelle Good on Sunday. Brown has a knee injury and Good is out with an ankle injury. Both offensive linemen were injured in a Week 16 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Sam Young will play for Brown and rookie John Simpson will start for Good. If Simpson, a fourth-round pick from Clemson, plays well, he might be a favorite to start next season.
Jeez, even JaMarcus Russell lasted longer than Dwayne Haskins.
Ending a turbulent, unproductive tenure with the Washington Football Team Haskins was released on Monday. The quarterback was the No. 15 overall pick of the 2019 draft.
Of course, Russell who lasted three seasons with the Raiders is still the biggest NFL bust ever because he was the No. 1 overall pick in 2007 . and then was so, so bad.
That leads us back to what this community lives and breathes for the Las Vegas Raiders. Would Jon Gruden consider claiming Haskins? He will be available Tuesday.
It’s something to consider. Gruden fancies himself as a quarterback guru and he has brought in several QBs to the Raiders in less than three years including Marcus Mariota, AJ McCarron, EJ Manuel, Nathan Peterman and DeShone Kizer.
The Cleveland Browns Just Saved Bill Belichick and the Patriots From Living Their Worst Nightmare
December 28, 2020
Just a few years ago, the New England Patriots had the best quarterback situation in the NFL. But after having Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Jacoby Brissett all in the same meeting room, Bill Belichick now has a remarkably uninspiring group comprised of Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham, and Brian Hoyer.
Meanwhile, the other teams in the AFC East have devoted ample resources to address the most important position in sports. Unfortunately for the Patriots, Belichick’s one-year gamble on Newton and his fourth-round investment in Stidham hasn’t paid off.
Carr active for Raiders, Parker out for Dolphins
December 27, 2020 GMT
LAS VEGAS (AP) Quarterback Derek Carr is active for the Las Vegas Raiders after leaving last week’s game with an injured groin.
Carr was a full participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday and will start as expected Saturday night against Miami.
The Dolphins will be without receiver DaVante Parker for a second straight game because of an injured hamstring.
Parker was listed as questionable for the game but is inactive. The Dolphins will have left guard Ereck Flowers (ankle), receiver Jakeem Grant (hamstring) and tight end Mike Gesicki (shoulder) active after being listed as questionable with injuries.