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NFL Dawgs Week 16: Pursuit Of Perfection Ends, Rookies Continue to Shine

Week 16 saw the Panthers' perfect season snuffed out in Atlanta, while the Huskies' crop of rookies continue their impressive season. Check it out in NFL Dawgs!

By Greg Quintero
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Former Huskies lead 'Skins over Eagles, into playoffs

The Washington Redskins (8-7) claimed the watered-down NFC East crown on Saturday with a road win over their rival Philadelphia Eagles (6-9) 38-24. Two former Huskies aided the victorious Redskins on defense, veteran Dashon Goldson and Mason Foster, a player who has come into his own in recent weeks after finally being given a shot in Washington.

The duo combined for double-digit tackles for the third consecutive week to lead a defense largely responsible for the Redskins' second-half turnaround. Goldson led the Washington defense with 10 total tackles and a fumble recovery, while Foster recorded seven tackles against the hapless Eagles. Goldson played all 81 defensive snaps for the Redskins, despite a rib injury.

Chiefs, Peters on cloud nine

The Kansas City Chiefs (10-5) won their ninth straight game Sunday, a 17-13 victory over the Cleveland Browns (3-12). Marcus Peters added to an already unbelievable rookie and Pro Bowl-caliber campaign in 2015 with a tackle, two pass deflections, and a 46-yard interception return. The interception was the eighth of the season for Peters, tying him for the league lead in the category. The Chiefs began the season 1-5 and appeared destined to finish in the cellar of the NFL before Andy Reid and Peters helped bring about the turnaround that now has the Chiefs heading into the postseason as one of the league's most dangerous teams.

Danny Shelton recorded a pair of tackles and kicker Travis Coons converted two of his three field goal attempts for the Browns in the loss.

Timu leads victorious Bears on defense

Many on the Chicago Bears (6-9) would seemingly have little to play for as another disappointing season comes to a close in the Windy City. The list of uninspired Bears would not include rookie linebacker John Timu, who for the second consecutive week was the most important player on the defensive side of the ball for Chicago as they knocked off the Tampa Bay Bucs (6-9) 26-21. The high-energy Timu finished with six tackles and two recovered fumbles in Chicago's victory on Sunday.

Tampa tight end and former Husky Austin Seferian-Jenkins had his second touchdown in as many weeks. The touchdown was one of two receptions on the day for Seferian-Jenkins, who finished with 60 receiving yards Sunday.

Perfect no more, Panthers fall to Falcons

The Carolina Panthers (14-1) saw their perfect season end in Atlanta Sunday with a 20-13 setback to the Atlanta Falcons (8-7). The Panthers had their first lackluster performance of the season, finishing with only 268 yards on offense, a turnover, four penalties for 40 yards, and several big plays surrendered on defense. Panthers rookie linebacker Shaq Thompson had a solid game with five tackles, including one for a loss.

Desmond Trufant had a typically quiet but effective day for Atlanta, collecting three tackles and a deflected pass in the upset victory.

Texans dominate Titans, edge closer to playoffs

Two former Husky running backs squared off Sunday as the Houston Texans (8-7) dominated the Tennessee Titans (3-12) 34-6. For the victorious Texans Chris Polk carried 11 times for 38 yards, including a long of 17 yards. Opposite Polk was Bishop Sankey, who finally received meaningful playing time for Tennessee after being inactive for much of the second half of this season. Sankey finished with two carries for 11 yards and three receptions for 43 yards in the Titans' loss.

The Texans now maintain a one-game lead over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South, and control their own destiny heading into their week 17 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars next week.

Around the NFL

  • Greg Ducre had five tackles, but the San Diego Chargers (4-11) fell to the Oakland Raiders (7-8) 23-20 in overtime on Christmas Eve. Marcel Reece had two receptions out of the Oakland backfield for three yards in the victory.
  • Hau'oli Kikaha had a tackle for the New Orleans Saints (6-9) as they knocked off the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-10) 38-27.
  • Jermaine Kearse had three receptions for 38 yards and a late touchdown as the Seattle Seahawks (9-6) fell at home to the St. Louis Rams (7-8) 23-17.

Follow me on Twitter @GQuintero_84 and check us out @UWonSBN

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