Cam, Panthers damage Skins’ playoff dreams
Kirk Cousins threw an interception and fumbled near his goal line as the Redskins coughed up their easiest path to the playoffs with a 26-15 loss to the defending NFC champion Panthers on Monday night in Landover, Md.
Washington (7-6-1) could have clinched a playoff berth by winning its final three games but now needs help. Carolina (6-8) kept its astronomical wild-card hopes alive and dealt a serious blow to the Redskins’ chances with two weeks left in the season.
After being picked off by Kurt Coleman in the first half to set up a Carolina field goal, Cousins was sacked by Wes Horton and fumbled on the first snap after halftime as the Panthers took over at the 1-yard line. They scored two plays later to take a 20-9 lead.
Cousins finished 32 of 47 for 316 yards with far too many missed throws in a game with such high stakes.
Reigning league MVP Cam Newton showed no ill effects from a shoulder injury suffered last week, throwing for 300 yards and two touchdowns as the Panthers took advantage of blunders by the Redskins, who lost their sixth consecutive Monday night home game.
It was Washington’s most lopsided loss since being routed 38-16 by Pittsburgh in the season opener, also on a Monday night. TEXANS: Tom Savage will start at quarterback for Houston on Saturday against the Bengals.
Coach Bill O’Brien announced the decision Monday, a day after Savage took over in the second quarter when Brock Osweiler was benched against the Jaguars.
“We make decisions on what we think is the best way to help the team, what helps the team win,” O’Brien said. “And I think that yesterday and this week I feel like Tom Savage gives us the best chance to win. I’m going to give him a week to prepare as a starter and see what he can do for us on Saturday night against the Bengals.” COWBOYS: Ezekiel Elliott won’t get fined by the NFL for jumping into one of the Salvation Army’s red kettles beyond the end zone after a short touchdown run. The league’s leading rusher, who was expecting a fine, said on Twitter he still planned to give money to the Salvation Army, which had a 61 percent increase in donations in the hours after Elliott’s creative celebration. BEARS: Eddie Royal will miss Chicago’s final two games because of a toe injury. He will become the 18th Bears player on injured reserve after coach John Fox announced Monday the receiver is done for the year.