PANTHERS-GANO
Gano eager for another chance vs. Falcons
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) β Graham Gano is hoping for another chance on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Panthers’ 27-year-old kicker says “I hope this one comes down to a game-winning kick. Those are the kicks you dream of, so I hope I get another shot.”
Gano missed a potential game-winning 46-yard field-goal attempt last month against the Falcons with 1:27 remaining and had a 63-yarder blocked as time expired. The Panthers lost 19-17.
Had Carolina won that game, it would have already clinched the NFC South division.
Instead, the Panthers need a win or tie at Atlanta to become the first team to repeat as NFC South champions.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera says he has faith in Gano if he gets another chance at a game winner.
RANGERS-NASH’S HAT TRICK
Rangers’ Nash awarded hat trick day after game
NEW YORK (AP) β It took 141 regular-season games and one extra day for Rick Nash to get his first hat trick with the New York Rangers.
A little help from the NHL official scorer on Christmas Eve made it so.
About 12 hours after the Rangers beat the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night, Nash was credited with his third goal of the game on Wednesday morning.
Nash gave New York a 1-0 lead in the first period and a 3-0 edge 5:12 into the third. He was originally given an assist on a power-play goal awarded to Martin St. Louis that made it 4-2 with 3:48 remaining, but it was determined that St. Louis didn’t touch the puck.
Nash was the last Rangers player to get his stick on it before Capitals goalie Braden Holtby knocked the puck into the net with his glove.
In 32 games this season, Nash has 23 goals β two behind than NHL leader Tyler Seguin of Dallas. He notched only 26 in 65 games last season, his second with the Rangers.
RAVENS-KUBIAK
Kubiak makes his point as Ravens offensive coordinator
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) β The improvement of the Baltimore Ravens’ offense under Gary Kubiak can be measured by a variety of statistics, including Justin Forsett’s 1,147 yards rushing and Joe Flacco’s career-high tying 25 touchdown passes.
To focus solely on those numbers would be missing the point, or rather, the points. The Ravens have scored 389 points this season, and with 10 more on Sunday against Cleveland they will set a franchise record.
“We’ll break that,” said fourth-year wide receiver Torrey Smith, whose 10 touchdown catches are the most of his career.
Kubiak was hired as offensive coordinator in January after Jim Caldwell left to become head coach of the Detroit Lions. Kubiak was available because he was fired as coach of the Houston Texans in December following an eight-year run.
REDSKINS-RG3
Redskins’ RG3 limited with sprained shoulder
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) β Robert Griffin III is dealing with a sprained right shoulder as he prepares for the Washington Redskins’ season finale against the Dallas Cowboys.
Griffin was limited in practice Wednesday. He appeared to be throwing normally during the portion of the workout open to reporters.
Coach Jay Gruden said Griffin was hurt on a sack by Fletcher Cox in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s 27-24 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Gruden said Griffin is sore but doesn’t think the injury is serious enough to bring in another quarterback. The Redskins have only one other QB, Kirk Cousins, on the 53-man roster.
Said Gruden: “It needs to get better. I don’t think it’s a serious deal, but if it affects his throwing, then it could be an issue.”
