• http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/28/12W5Gx.St.138.jpeg|411
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera reaches out to slap hands with fans along the sideline prior to the team's game vs the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/28/hx8gZ.St.138.jpeg|486
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (83) wide receiver Louis Murphy catches a pass during pre-game warm up prior to action vs the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/28/Mvfyq.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (89) wide receiver Steve Smith catches a pass during pre-game warm up prior to action vs the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/27/1lvJ6g.St.138.jpeg|439
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) throws downfield during warmups prior to playing the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/27/7QMrG.St.138.jpeg|525
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Mike Tolbert (35) makes a catch during warmups prior to playing the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/27/18GayJ.St.138.jpeg|491
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (1) quarterback Cam Newton and owner Jerry Richardson shake hands prior to the team's game vs the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/27/kzGlY.St.138.jpeg|525
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) greets Frank Alexander (90) during warmups prior to playing the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/27/Osukl.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    (Center) Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera talks with officials prior to the team's game vs the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/26/k1FcP.St.138.jpeg|415
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera walks among his team during warmups prior to playing the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/26/aJS8l.St.138.jpeg|525
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Greg Hardy (76) is introduced to the stadium prior to playing the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/26/Wkz6v.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (76) defensive end Greg Hardy sits on the team's bench waiting for a defensive series vs the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/26/RxRcr.St.138.jpeg|412
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) escapes from Oakland Raiders' Desmond Bryant (90) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/25/1cIj64.St.138.jpeg|481
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) looks down field during a play against the Oakland Raiders in the first half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/25/14e49V.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (89) wide receiver Steve Smith carefully sits down on the bench after being injured on a series during first quarter action vs the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Smith returned to action. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/25/1nwSpT.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (89) wide receiver Steve Smith sits on the bench after being injured on a series during first quarter action vs the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Smith returned to action. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/25/C13sz.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (11) wide receiver Brandon LaFell fights to pick up yardage following a pass reception as Oakland Raiders (24) defensive back Michael Huff looks to make the tackle during first quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/25/1chyR9.St.138.jpeg|465
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Brandon LaFell (11) makes a reception as Oakland Raiders' Michael Huff (24) works to stop him during the first half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/25/16lA9G.St.138.jpeg|475
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (35) full back Mike Tolbert rushes for yardage vs the Oakland Raiders during first quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/24/1p2e5n.St.138.jpeg|377
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Mike Tolbert (35) runs heads upfield past Oakland Raiders' Mike Mitchell (34) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/24/x5mTv.St.138.jpeg|436
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) signals a first-down after a run against the Oakland Raider during the first half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/24/HnWWn.St.138.jpeg|423
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) runs past Oakland Raiders' Matt Giordano (27) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/24/VE3RE.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (1) quarterback Cam Newton scrambles away from the Oakland Raiders defense during first quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/23/1cD8fm.St.138.jpeg|458
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) makes a reception in front of Oakland Raiders' Philip Wheeler (52) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/23/G67Rj.St.138.jpeg|488
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) celebrates a reception against the Oakland Raiders during the first half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/21/29/CfTgF.St.138.jpeg|381
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) catches a touchdown pass between Oakland Raiders' Joselio Hanson (23) and Michael Huff (24) at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers led 14-3 at halftime. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/23/GBn1X.St.138.jpeg|525
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) points to fans after a Steve Smith touchdown during the first half against the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/23/hBkNZ.St.138.jpeg|446
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera leans into the special team's huddle and gives encouragement during first quarter action vs the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/23/Uepv4.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (89) wide receiver Steve Smith sits on the teams bench after being injured on a series vs the Oakland Raiders during first quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Smith returned to action. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/22/18PXYD.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Oakland Raiders (3) quarterback Carson Palmer is hit by Carolina Panthers (76) defensive end Greg Hardy during first quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The hit resulted in a 15-yard penalty on Hardy for roughing the passer. Carson did not return to action. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/22/I2CjO.St.138.jpeg|484
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera disputes a roughing call with referee Jerome Boger (23) while playing the Oakland Raiders in the first half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/22/nKits.St.138.jpeg|384
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera disputes a roughing the passer call against Greg Hardy during the first half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/22/1hihFU.St.138.jpeg|525
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Oakland Raiders' Carson Palmer (3) gets helped up after being hit by Carolina Panthers' Greg Hardy during the first half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. Hardy was called for roughing the passer. Palmer left the game. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/22/tseHb.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (58) linebacker Thomas Davis makes the tackle on Oakland Raiders (45) full back Marcel Reece during first quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/21/UTIgM.St.138.jpeg|432
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (22) cornerback Josh Thomas and (59) linebacker Luke Kuechly look to make the tackle on Oakland Raiders (85) wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey during second quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Kuechly was called for unnecessary roughness on the play resulting in a 15-yard penalty. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/21/ztAGb.St.138.jpeg|525
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) and Josh Thomas (22) combine to hit Darrius Heyward-Bey (85) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. Kuechly was called for a penalty on the play. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/21/RFtNl.St.138.jpeg|525
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) and Josh Thomas (22) look back towards game officials after Kuechly was flagged on a play against the Oakland Raiders during the first half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/21/1kAET.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    An Oakland Raiders fan watches the team play the Carolina Panthers during second quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/21/1ewNf6.St.138.jpeg|525
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Oakland Raiders' Rod Streater (80) makes a reception in front of Carolina Panthers' Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/20/1ljRZR.St.138.jpeg|440
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers cheer in the stands while the team plays against the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/20/140dAB.St.138.jpeg|415
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Oakland Raiders' Carson Palmer (3) heads to the locker room after getting knocked out of the game against the Carolina Panthers in the first half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/20/HgfJh.St.138.jpeg|381
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Members of the Carolina Panthers defend Cam Newton (1) against Oakland Raiders' Tommy Kelly (93) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. Kelly was called for unnecessary roughness. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/20/u07TG.St.138.jpeg|397
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Oakland Raiders (93) defensive tackle Tommy Kelly is called for unnecessary roughness after he and defensive tackle (90) Desmond Bryant split a sack on Carolina Panthers (1) quarterback Cam Newton during second quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/19/aOD66.St.138.jpeg|525
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) picks off a pass intended for Oakland Raiders' Jon Condo (59) in the first half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/20/19PZZY.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (59) linebacker Luke Kuechly picks up yardage following an interception of a pass by Oakland Raiders (7) quarterback Matt Leinart during second quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/19/SKCtQ.St.138.jpeg|490
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (59) linebacker Luke Kuechly is congratulated by (30) safety Charles Godfrey following his interception of a pass by Oakland Raiders (7) quarterback Matt Leinart during second quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/19/oJJEZ.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (59) linebacker Luke Kuechly holds up the football after intercepting a pass by Oakland Raiders (7) quarterback Matt Leinart during second quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/19/eFZjP.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (34) running back DeAngelo Williams cuts back into an opening as the Oakland Raiders defense gives chase during second quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/19/GtI9v.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (1) quarterback Cam Newton rushes into the end zone for a touchdown as Oakland Raiders (52) linebacker Philip Wheeler tries to make the tackle during late second quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/19/ZSmXA.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (1) quarterback Cam Newton celebrates his rushing touchdown vs the Oakland Raiders during late second quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers led the Raiders 14-3 at the half. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/18/RKtzv.St.138.jpeg|459
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (1) quarterback Cam Newton celebrates his rushing touchdown vs the Oakland Raiders during late second quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/18/H1qjI.St.138.jpeg|429
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (58) linebacker Thomas Davis and (76) defensive end Greg Hardy make the tackle on Oakland Raiders (25) running back Mike Goodson during third quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/18/crom3.St.138.jpeg|422
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) shields Cam Newton (1) from Oakland Raiders' Michael Huff (24) on a run during the second half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/18/mels2.St.138.jpeg|434
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) escapes from Oakland Raiders' Lamarr Houston (99) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/18/18Zv56.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (42) safety Colin Jones tackles Oakland Raiders (17) Denarius Moore on a return during third quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/17/7ci5K.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (1) quarterback Cam Newton scrambles out of the pocket during fourth quarter action vs the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/17/13xe4p.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (1) quarterback Cam Newton grimaces after being knocked to the turf during fourth quarter action vs the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/17/mjFZn.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (89) wide receiver Steve Smith talks with (23) referee Jerome Boger during fourth quarter action vs the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/17/1qjRZ0.St.138.jpeg|525
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Oakland Raiders' Denarius Moore (17) gets his head spun by Carolina Panthers' Doug Hogue (55) during a punt in the second half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. Hogue was called for a penalty on the grab but the there was an offsetting penalty on the play. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/16/wkKv2.St.138.jpeg|434
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    A Carolina Panthers cheers as they play against the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/16/Fi28N.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (31) cornerback James Dockery breaks up a pass meant for Oakland Raiders (80) wide receiver Rod Streater during fourth quarter action on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/16/SOzU1.St.138.jpeg|525
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' James Dockery (31) strips the ball away from Oakland Raiders' Rod Streater (80) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/16/1sl7DY.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    (Right) Carolina Panthers fan Richard Harris of Charlotte, NC screams support to the team during fourth quarter action vs the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.co
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/16/z4Wmc.St.138.jpeg|525
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (58) and Jon Condo (59) celebrate a defensive stop against the Oakland Raiders during the second half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/15/qaZtM.St.138.jpeg|418
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) runs through the Oakland Raiders defense during the second half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/15/1stZR5.St.138.jpeg|381
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Greg Olsen (88) stretches for a catch past Oakland Raiders' Philip Wheeler (52) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/15/E2i43.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers (36) running back Armond Smith and (9) kicker Graham Gano bump one another after Gano kicked a 51-yard field goal during fourth quarter action vs the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/15/1pVRQ8.St.138.jpeg|436
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Oakland Raiders' Matt Leinart (7) gets sacked by Carolina Panthers' Dwan Edwards (92) as Charles Johnson (95) helps during the second half at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/15/1fgRBe.St.138.jpeg|525
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera congratulates Greg Hardy (76) as he comes off the field in the second half against the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/14/4QEOJ.St.138.jpeg|415
    David T. Foster III - dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
    Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) celebrates with a coach at the conclusion of their game against the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2012. The Panthers won 17-6. David T. Foster III-dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
  • http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2012/12/23/20/14/1esmhU.St.138.jpeg|525
    Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
    (L-R) Carolina Panthers (89) wide receiver Steve Smith hugs (58) linebacker Thomas Davis following the team's victory over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. Jeff Siner - jsiner@charlotteobserver.co
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