Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced a setback against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16, jeopardizing their playoff aspirations with only two games remaining. Head Coach Todd Bowles emphasized the importance of focusing on winning their upcoming games, despite needing help to secure a playoff spot.

“It won’t be difficult,” Bowles stated, as reported by Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. “We’ve got to win a ballgame. If we don’t win a ballgame, we don’t give ourselves a chance. We’ve got to focus on ourselves like we’ve been doing, correct our mistakes, and win on Sunday, followed by winning the next week. Then we’ll see what happens after that.”

• Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan was fined $5,720 for unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting), while Linebacker J.J. Russell received a fine of $5,472 for unnecessary roughness (horse-collar tackle) during Week 15.

Panthers

Outside Linebacker D.J. Wonnum, who suffered a torn quad on Christmas Eve last year while playing for the Vikings, has undergone two additional surgeries but is thrilled to be back in the Carolina lineup.

“It’s definitely been a journey since that day. It’s crazy because I didn’t expect the recovery process to be like this,” Wonnum remarked, according to Joseph Person of The Athletic. “It’s bittersweet; I went through so much, but now I’m back doing what I love.”

Safety Sam Franklin praised Wonnum’s return, noting its significant impact on the defensive line and their efficiency in creating turnovers.

“He brings a different level of intensity, which enhances the D-line’s ability to pressure the quarterback,” Franklin explained. “Our defense has generated many turnovers lately, thanks to the D-line playing fast and occupying the right spaces, ensuring quarterbacks don’t have enough time. With D.J. back, it allows us to pressure without double teams.”

Reflecting on his injury last season, Wonnum shared, “As soon as it happened, I felt something I had never experienced before, and I knew it wasn’t right. It wasn’t overly painful, just a pop that felt off. I guess the adrenaline numbed the pain.”

Saints

Quarterback Spencer Rattler took accountability for the Saints’ recent 34-0 defeat to the Packers, labeling it as an “embarrassing loss.”

“Just embarrassing,” Rattler stated, as reported by Rashad Milligan of Nola.com. “I take full responsibility. I didn’t play well, and I need to find ways to make more plays, protect the ball, and improve.”

With a record of 0-4 as a starter, Rattler has seen the Saints’ record slip to 5-10, yet he remains optimistic about the rest of the season.

“I know the guys in this locker room aren’t going to give up,” he assured. “We will regroup, work hard, and finish this season, even though it’s tough.”

Rattler acknowledged the Packers’ strong performance, saying, “They are a really good team with an excellent game plan.”