Redskins Edge Panthers 23-17, Remain Atop NFC East
The Washington Redskins were in desperate need of a bounceback performance against the Carolina Panthers, and they got just that.
The Redskins came out of the gates quickly, taking a 14-0 lead after one quarter on touchdown receptions from Vernon Davis and Paul Richardson. Washington then added on with a 49 yard field goal from Dustin Hopkins to push the lead to 17-0. This is where the Panthers started their comeback. Carolina got on the board with a leaping 23 yard touchdown reception from Devin Funchess to draw within 11 at 17-6 after a missed PAT from former Redskin Graham Gano. The only scoring in the third quarter was a 32 yard field goal by Gano to draw Carolina to within 8 at 17-9. The Redskins tacked in two field goals by Hopkins, one of which was a career long 56 yarder, and the Panthers added on with a 3 yard touchdown pass to former Maryland Terrapin standout Torrey Smith. This set the stage for the final drive. Redskins leading 23-17 and the Panthers in the red zone. This is where Washington turned up the heat, blitzing on the final four plays which led to three incompletions and a turnover on downs to secure a 23-17 Redskins victory, their first over the Carolina Panthers since 2006 (snapped a five game losing streak). The win also improves the Redskins to 3-2 on the season and keeps them in first place in the NFC East.
The story of the game was the passing game. The air attack was more present today than they were in recent games past, accounting for 156 yards, with the tight ends-Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis-leading the way with a combined 84 yards. Adrian Peterson also showed no signs of aging today as he carved through the Panthers defense for 97 yards. Not to be lost in all of this, former Maryland Terrapin DJ Moore did not have a good day, fumbling twice to account for two of Carolina’s three turnovers on the afternoon.
Redskins will host the Dallas Cowboys next week.
