Spoiler: The Panthers won.
In what might have been the game featuring the most consistent play of the year, the Panthers absolutely demolished the Washington Redskins. The Panthers put up a 40 burger on offense where Cam Newton enjoyed one of his most explosive days as a passer, throwing a touchdown to FIVE different receivers. Newton didn't have to run too much in the early going, as the offense put up over 100 yards rushing and over 200 yards through the air. The defense forced multiple turnovers and sacked Cousins over and over again to finish out the game.
It appeared that early on we had ourselves a close game to enjoy, with the Redskins getting a long touchdown pass to Desean Jackson and a big kickoff return TD by Andre Roberts. The Panthers offense had generated two touchdowns on the backs of Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert in the passing game, and the offense continued to click while the Redskins offense sputtered. Along with Stewart and Tolbert, Devin Funchess, Ted Ginn, and Greg Olsen all hauled in receiving touchdowns. On defense the Panthers recovered four fumbles as they punched at the ball all game. Everything appears to be clicking and points toward a continued run down the stretch.
The Good
- Devin Funchess logged his first start, and responded with 4 receptions for 64 yards and a TD. There were times where he looked like a rookie, but the bottom line is that Funchess is the real deal. He's learning how to use his size and is becoming a great compliment to Ted Ginn and Philly Brown, who are both speedy receivers. Funchess only continues to improve his play.
- Kony Ealy now has 4 sacks in the last four games, and today his sack was a beautiful strip sack of Cousins for a turnover. He also accounted for a pass deflection at the LOS. Both of Gettleman's last two second round picks are playing great football.
- Kurt Coleman logged another interception, his fourth of the year. That ties Josh Norman's lead on the team, who isn't seeing many opportunities thanks to continued outstanding play. After Colin Jones got torched on the long pass to Desean Jackson, the Panthers had Norman shadow Jackson, who didn't make much noise after the fact.
- Ryan Delaire and Mario Addison accounted for two sacks between them in relief of the starters. Delaire may have edged out Wes Horton for a roster spot once Charles Johnson returns, as Horton wasn't active today.
- Cam Newton. Wow. Between the last two games he's been one of the most efficient and precise passers in the league.
- Also, shout out to Graham Gano, who nailed 3 field goals and 5 PATs, with no misses today.
- Penalties. Sometimes they fall your way, sometimes they don't.
The Bad
Like I said earlier, this was probably the most complete win to date for this Panthers team. Desean Jackson somehow ended up getting covered by Colin Jones and torched him for a long TD, but the coaching staff quickly slid Norman on top of Jackson. Good mid game adjustment. The return team allowed a TD as well, but other than that there isn't much to nitpick here. The Skins only rushed for 14 yards, and Kirk Cousins was held in check all game and sacked 5 times. Total domination of a team that just put up 40+ on the Saints.
What's Next
The Dallas Cowboys are next on Thanksgiving, the first time Carolina has ever been featured on the holiday. The Panthers will look to keep rolling, while Dallas just won today with Tony Romo returning from injury. The Panthers will also get a chance to face off with Greg Hardy. I'd like to see some extra mustard on those blocks.
The Panthers are two wins away from the franchise record for most wins in a season, and appear to be all but guaranteed a first round bye in the playoffs. Keep Pounding everybody!