Carolina Closes It Out

R.J. trying to slow down the record-setting Saints offense.

Carolina closed out the season with its third ProUte of the Week Award recipient - in Week 17 it was R.J. Stanford's turn to make a big play. The Saints led 14-7 when Drew Brees threw this red zone interception to Stanford, who took it back 53 yards in the other direction. This turnover offset a fumble by Steve Smith, but the Panthers ultimately succumbed to the Saints, 45-17. Stanford had two tackles and a PDef in addition to the INT. Smith also had a decent game (minus the fumble), with 6 receptions for 86 yards and a TD. With that performance Smith broke the franchise-record for receptions, previously held by Muhsin Muhammad.

Alex Smith had another nice day, completing 21 of 31 passes for 219 yards and a TD; he also ran for a TD as the 49ers wrapped up the #2 seed in the NFC playoffs. Brice McCain had another nice outing against the Titans, accumulating 2 tackles and 3 PDefs. Tennessee edged Houston by a point, but the Texans had already clinched the #3 seed in the AFC playoffs.

Practice squad notes: Brett Ratliff finished the season on Tampa Bay's practice squad.