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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

NFL notes: Former Washington coach Joe Gibbs thinks Panthers can go unbeaten

Associated Press

Joe Gibbs believes the Carolina Panthers can become only the second undefeated team in NFL history.

The three-time Super Bowl winning coach said he’s seen Carolina play twice this year and is impressed with its level of play.

“What they are, and I think they will have a chance for this reason, they are not winning it by skill plays or getting lucky on stuff,” Gibbs said Thursday. “They are pounding people. Sometimes, when they don’t play as well, they beat you up. They have a good defense. Defense always leads you.”

The Panthers are 11-0 and close out the season at New Orleans, with two games against Atlanta, at the New York Giants and home against Tampa Bay. Only the 1972 Miami Dolphins have completed a perfect season.

Randle case delayed

Former Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle says his future is “to be continued” after making his first court appearance in a Kansas casino altercation case.

The 23-year-old Randle was given a 30-day continuance so he could hire an attorney. He is charged with misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct, criminal trespass and interference with a law enforcement officer in the Nov. 24 disturbance at the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane. Randle plans to plead not guilty.

When he was arrested, he already had been suspended for four games under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

Quick kicks

Rams QB Case Keenum has not been cleared to play as he recovers from a concussion. Nick Foles will start for the second straight week. … Bills defensive end Mario Williams is expected to play against his former team, the Texans, after testing his injured foot in practice for a second straight day. … Jaguars receiver Allen Hurns missed a second consecutive day of practice due to a concussion, but could still play against the Titans. … Jets CB Darrelle Revis sat out practice again as he recovers from a concussion and it appears unlikely that he will play against the Giants.