NFL Report Cards: Team-by-Team Grades for Week 11By Mike Tanier , NFL National Lead Writer Nov 24, 2015
Cam Newton and the Panthers are now 10-0.In this week's report cards:• Jameis Winston and Doug Martin are the only people stopping each other from throwing for six touchdowns or rushing for 250 yards.• Ezekiel Ansah finds a weakness in the Raiders offensive line (the left side).• The Chiefs achieve Chiefs nirvana: All of their touchdowns are scored by fullbacks, defensive tackles or linebackers.• Two teams earn C-plus grades despite losses.• Jeff Fisher proves he's the kind of boss who takes down the Occupational Safety and Health Administration signs in the warehouse.• Cam Newton becomes even more Cam Newton-like.• Chip Kelly achieves a higher stage of football consciousness in which "defense" and "effort" no longer have meaning.• Russell Wilson enjoys minimal pass protection while the 49ers suffer from The Gabbert Delusion.• Aaron Rodgers stays exactly the same while the team and narrative around him changes.Carolina Panthers: A
Associated Press Cam Newton dropping back in the pocket.This Week's Result: Panthers 44, Redskins 16Offense (A): Cam Newton's five touchdowns (and Daniel Boone cosplay press conference attire) made headlines. Jonathan Stewart thumped out 102 more rushing yards. Devin Funchess (4-64-1) is starting to become the downfield catch-in-traffic threat Newton needs to complement Greg Olsen (3-54-1).Defense (A): The defense set the offense up with several short drives after turnovers. Carolina forced five fumbles and recovered four of them. DeSean Jackson broke free for a long touchdown, but as usual the Panthers did an outstanding job preventing yards after contact.Coaching/Special Teams (B-): Andre Roberts' kickoff-return touchdown wasn't exactly a shining moment for the Panthers coverage units. Otherwise, the Panthers were once again fundamentally sound and well-prepared in all three phases. The red-zone offense was particularly sharp: five touchdowns in six opportunities, with lots of methodical drives that took the fight out of the opponent.Looking Ahead: Greg Hardy wants revenge on Thanksgiving, as he called the Panthers "just a nameless, faceless opponent," according to ESPN's Todd Archer. Everyone else will find it easier to digest our turkey if we aren't thinking about what Greg Hardy wants.Kansas City Chiefs: A 
Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press Running back Charcandrick West (No. 35) is day-to-day with a hamstring injury.This Week's Result: Chiefs 33, Chargers 3Offense (A-): Alex Smith was very Alex Smith-like, picking away with short passes while mixing in some runs. Spencer Ware came off the bench in relief of Charcandrick West (hamstring) and gouged out 96 rushing yards. The offensive line looked pretty good, though the Chargers pass rush has a habit of bringing out the best in blockers.Defense (A): Another team effort. Tamba Hali recorded two sacks. Justin Houston turned a screen pass into a pick-six. The secondary was hardly tested.Coaching/Special Teams (A): The contrast between Andy Reid's organizational model and the crumpling shoebox of the Mike McCoy regime could not be more obvious. The Chiefs adapt to injuries, gain advantages where they can on special teams and accentuate their strengths. The Chargers spend every week wishing they could rush the quarterback, run the ball or return a punt.Looking Ahead: Major wild-card tiebreakers will be on the line when the Chiefs host the Bills.Green Bay Packers: A-
Hannah Foslien/Getty Images Running back Eddie Lacy had a productive game for the Packers.This Week's Result: Packers 30, Vikings 13Offense (B): Eddie Lacy (22 carries, 100 yards) used his cutback ability to make the Packers running game viable again. James Jones (6-109-1) brought a smidge of big-play ability back to the Packers offense, with Jeff Janis pitching in by drawing a long pass-interference foul.Once the Packers were playing with a lead, it was easy to overlook the fact that Aaron Rodgers completed under 50 percent of his passes, and contributions by the other Packers playmakers were minimal.Defense (A-): Teddy Bridgewater got tenderized like a lamb chop all afternoon.Coaching/Special Teams (A): Janis returned an early kickoff 70 yards to set up one of Mason Crosby's five field goals. Crosby also endured a head-butt from Cordarrelle Patterson; the reverb from striking that big empty chamber probably deafened him. This game was a fine example of how defense and special teams can flip a quarterback narrative. It was also an example of how good organizations find multiple paths to victory.Looking Ahead: The Packers still have no margin for error, and the Bears are a tough out.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A-
Elsa/Getty Images Jameis Winston (No. 3) and the 5-5 Buccaneers had a huge day.This Week's Result: Buccaneers 45, Eagles 17Offense (A+): Everything was awesome! Doug Martin rushed for 235 yards. Vincent Jackson caught just four passes (one a touchdown), but his presence had a ripple effect across the Buccaneers receiving corps.Pass protection was outstanding. Jameis Winston did not just throw five touchdowns—he commanded the offense and made great decisions in the pocket. Touchdown totals come and go, but it's the skills that matter in a young quarterback's career.Defense (B): The defense was shaky early. A dominant performance by the offense and some errant Mark Sanchez passing allowed the game to flow the defense's way.Coaching/Special Teams (A): Chip Kelly's Eagles are clearly starting to doubt his methods. Lovie Smith's Buccaneers are just as clearly buying into the system and growing into their roles.Looking Ahead: The tour of teams in disarray continues when the Buccaneers travel to Indianapolis.For every team....link
DE Brown returns to Bucs after being claimed off waivers
