Redskins vs. Panthers Preview
Washington Redskins 7-5-1 vs. Carolina Panthers 5-8
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The Washington Redskins find themselves in a critical Monday Night matchup against the Carolina Panthers this week. The Redskins find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture looking in with just three weeks remaining in the season.
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The matchup everyone is looking forward to is Josh Norman playing his former team for the first time since the decision was made to rescind his non-exclusive Franchise Tag offer back in April. Norman has made himself right at home in Washington, bringing a lockdown corner presence that has been missed in the Nation’s Capitol the past few years.
The matchup to watch in my opinion is Kirk Cousins against this reeling Carolina secondary. Without Norman, the Panthers are ranked 30th in the NFL in pass yards allowed per game this season; down from 11th in 2015. The key to this game will be the Redskins Red Zone offense. Currently ranking 30th in the NFL in Touchdown percentage in the Red Zone at 44.9%. Everyone in the NFL knows the Redskins can move the ball at an elite level from 20 to 20, the key is to punch it in for 6 when the opportunity exists.
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Cousins has been efficient this season. Cousins ranks 3rd in the NFL in pass yards, and is in the top ten in QBR and Passing Touchdowns. Cousins has an opportunity to continue his momentum against a Carolina secondary that gives up an average of 272.4 yards per game. This offers a great opportunity for Crowder and Garcon to get involved.
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I’ll focus on Crowder, who has had a breakout season this year, already tripling his touchdown total from a year ago. His impact as a punt returner has also made an impact this year, making defenders looks foolish on some of his dazzling moves. Making him a threat to take one to the house every time he touches the ball.
I think Washington will take care of business Monday night, and remain very much in the playoff picture coming down the stretch. The game will feature a lot of scoring, but I think Washington’s high-powered offense will eventually put them on top. They need to get some help from their defense which has had flashes of greatness all season, but struggles to get off the field.
Prediction:
Redskins: 35
Panthers: 24
