Carolina’s place in the NFL Bottom Ten is still safe

Sure it was unfortunate for Carolina to defeat Arizona, 19-12, on Sunday. But there’s no reason to panic.

The Panters (2-12) “still control their own destiny,” the Charlotte Observer said. “Lose out, and no one can catch them.”

It’s nice to have a goal. If Carolina can maintain the worst record in the NFL, the Panters will get the No. 1 draft choice, quarterback Jimmy Clausen’s replacement, Andrew Luck.

The Cincinnati Bungles (3-11) goofed up, as usual, by winning, 19-17 over Cleveland, to remain one game behind Carolina in this exciting race.

Meanwhile, what will NFL fans find under their trees this Christmas Day? Arizona (4-10) vs. Dallas (5-9) on NFL Network. Even Bob Cratchit would snarl, “Bah, humbug.”

Wreck (Record); Last loss; Next loss

1. Carolina (2-12); Def. Arizona, 19-12; The Pitts

2. Denver (3-11); 23-39, Oakland; Houston

3. Arizona (4-10)*; 12-19, Carolina; Dallas

4. Minnehaha (5-9); 14-40, Chicago; Philadelphia

5. Seattle (6-8); 18-34, Atlanta; Tampa Bay

6. Cleveland (5-9); 7. Cincinnati (3-11); 8. Miami (Fla.) (7-7); 9. Houston (5-9); 10. San Francisco (5-9).

* But only two games out of first place in the NFC West (or Worst)

Rout of the weak: Pittsburgh (10-4) over Carolina (2-12).

Crummy game of the weak: Denver (3-11) vs. Houston (5-9)

Ah, memories: The Arizona Republic pointed out that in 1995, the last time Arizona and Dallas met on Christmas Day, Cardinals Coach Buddy Ryan “mistakenly left the field before the game ended and watched the final play from the tunnel” as his 4-12 team lost. He was fired soon afterward. Memories.

Hardest working man in America? With Denver giving up so many touchdowns and field goals lately, the Broncos’ Eric Decker has returned 14 kickoffs in the last two weeks.

Fantasy flops: New Orleans running back Reggie Bush (four carries for minus-four yards) against Baltimore on Sunday.

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