Week 16 of the NFL season delivered no shortage of memorable moments and quotable quips in the afterglow of hard-fought victories. From playoff-eliminating trash talk to rookies basking in breakout performances, here are the highlights from the winning locker rooms around the league.
Clowney Sends Cardinals Packing
The Carolina Panthers played spoiler on Sunday, dealing the Arizona Cardinals a loss that officially knocked them out of postseason contention. Panthers linebacker Jadeveon Clowney took particular delight in that fact after the overtime win.
“I’m glad we knocked them out of the playoffs, they can go home when we go home — two weeks from now,” Clowney quipped with a grin.
Jadeveon Clowney, Carolina Panthers OLB
The three-time Pro Bowler clearly wasn’t losing any sleep over ending Arizona’s season, even if his 3-11 Panthers had already been eliminated themselves. Clowney’s savage shutdown of the Cardinals served as a defining footnote to Carolina’s otherwise forgettable campaign.
Rookie QBs Deliver in the Clutch
A pair of first-year signal-callers rose to the occasion with the lights shining brightest in Week 16. Washington’s Jayden Daniels dazzled with five touchdown passes, including the game-winner with just six seconds left to stun the Philadelphia Eagles 36-33.
“We don’t flinch at all,” Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin said of Daniels and the team’s late-game poise.
Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders WR
Meanwhile in Atlanta, Michael Penix Jr. looked right at home in his first NFL start, shredding the New York Giants defense in a 34-7 rout. The Falcons’ 2024 first-round pick admitted he has his sights set on an endorsement deal after beginning his day in a much more modest venue.
“Costco is great — Costco needs to hit me up,” Penix Jr. said with a laugh after finding out he’d be starting against the Giants while shopping at the retail giant earlier in the week.
Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons QB
Chargers Catch Broncos Off Guard
The Los Angeles Chargers kept their playoff hopes alive by beating the Denver Broncos 34-27 on Thursday Night Football. But it was LA’s unconventional scoring that had the Broncos scratching their heads, especially on a 57-yard free kick by Cameron Dicker to close the first half.
“I was confused as s—. I ain’t ever seen that before,” Chargers running back Gus Edwards said of the rare fair catch kick that cut Denver’s lead to 21-13 at halftime.
Gus Edwards, Los Angeles Chargers RB
The successful free kick, the first in the NFL since 2019, caught the Broncos by surprise and gave LA crucial momentum heading into the second half. It proved to be a turning point in the Chargers’ critical division win.
Commanders, Falcons Emerge as Wild Card Threats
Washington’s thrilling win over Philadelphia and Atlanta’s dominant showing against New York suddenly have the Commanders and Falcons looking like serious postseason sleepers. With their rookie QBs heating up down the stretch, both teams could be poised to shake up the NFC playoff picture.
- Commanders beat league-leading Eagles with dramatic comeback
- Falcons flatten Giants behind Penix Jr.’s near-flawless first start
If Jayden Daniels and Michael Penix Jr. can maintain their high level of play, Washington and Atlanta could ride their talented young quarterbacks on deep runs into January. With statement victories in Week 16, the Commanders and Falcons sent a resounding message that they’ll be forces to be reckoned with if they crack the playoff field.
From Jadeveon Clowney’s ruthless playoff-eliminating remark to the continued rise of a exciting crop of rookie quarterbacks, Week 16 provided plenty of fascinating storylines and soundbites. With the postseason fast approaching, the stakes and drama are sure to only intensify in the weeks ahead. Buckle up for a photo finish to the 2024 NFL season.
