WHAT IT MEANS
The train that is the 2015 Carolina Panthers just keeps chugging along.
After jumping out to a 21-0 lead before the end of the first quarter, the Panthers improved to 13-0 with a 38-0 rout of the Falcons.
Remember when their pair of late-season games were supposed to decide the division? Well, a week after Carolina clinched its third straight NFC South title, the Falcons fell for the seventh time in eight games.
But the Panthers' 17th straight regular-season win could be a costly one as at least nine players were dinged up. Some will question why some starters were left in during a blowout, but the Panthers are intent on earning the NFC's No. 1 seed. They can't do that until next week at the earliest, and for that to happen, they need to beat the Giants and hope the Cardinals lose in Philadelphia.
The Panthers did lock up a first-round bye while extending their NFL-best 10-game home win streak.
TOP PLAYS
–Ted Ginn's first of two
GOING... GOING... GINN!!! #ATLvsCAR pic.twitter.com/OG2o67ysGl
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 13, 2015
–Derek Anderson comes out of the bullpen, goes 1-for-1
A LIGHTNING STRIKE from DA! #ATLvsCAR pic.twitter.com/dVuKUFCMrX
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 13, 2015
–Ed Dickson, next man up
"Boom, boom, boom, boom ..." 28-0 #panthers
A video posted by Tiffany S. Jones (@iamtiffjones) on
–Another Defensive Player of the Week award coming for Kawann Short?
It's gettin loud in here! Another forced fumble!!! #atlvscar #panthers #keeppounding #defenseonpoint #13and0
A video posted by Matt Brantley (@brantley724) on
NOTABLE NUGGETS
–The Panthers posted their first shutout since an identical 38-0 score against the Giants on Sept. 22, 2013.
–The Panthers' 260 yards in the first quarter were the most in a quarter in team history.
–The Panthers improved to 17-3 in December since 2011, matching Seattle for the best record in the month during that timeframe.
HEALTH WATCH
–QB Cam Newton came off for a play late in the second quarter after appearing to injure his left hand. Newton poured water on the hand and returned after Derek Anderson completed a 24-yard pass to Philly Brown.
–RB Jonathan Stewart sprained his foot in the first half, according to FOX sideline reporter Pam Oliver.
–TE Greg Olsen injured his left knee near the end of the first half, but according to Oliver, coach Ron Rivera didn't think it was serious.
–LB Luke Kuechly had to have his ankle re-taped after coming out for a few moments in the second half.
–LB David Mayo was ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury in the second half.
–DB Bene Benwikere was carted off the field after injuring his knee in the fourth quarter. His may be the most concerning issue on this long list.
–DB Colin Jones suffered a groin injury in the second quarter and did not return.
–K Graham Gano was tested for a concussion after making a tackle on the opening kickoff of the second half. He did return.