Defeat!!!

 

Panthers 26 - 15 Redskins 

 

Hello everybody, JimmiJo here. I am joined by my partner of the ages; TheMurf, and together we will bring you the goings-on for tonight's matchup featuring the Washington Redskins versus the Carolina Panthers. 

 

After a few weeks in the wilderness, the Redskins again control their destiny. As I type they are the 6th and final seed for the NFC playoffs. They need to win tonight to secure the position, at least for this week. For the record, a loss doesn't mean they cannot still get in, but it hands their fate to someone else, again.

 

The bookies have the Redskins favored by 7. And while that's encouraging in that vegas usually knows what they are doing; a voice inside reminds of Washington's dismal prime-time performances, at least since I've been covering since 2006.

 

That said I feel good about the Redskins' chances. They know how important this is. They also have a kick-ass offense. On the flip-side Carolina has had a poor season and are likely looking forward to getting it behind them in order to begin working on next. 

 

This doesn't mean they wouldn't love to shine on national TV. And there is the thing called pride. So I am not expecting a capitulation prior to kickoff. But a good punch in the mouth should be enough to convince them it's just not worth it.

 

Except for the reality that is Washington's defense. The technical term for how they are playing lately is; "sucks." But they have been opportunistic and a turnover can help put this one away.

 

Here's to a good match. 

 

Photos

 

http://es.redskins.com/gallery/album/57-2016-week-15-panthers-at-redskins/

 

Audio

 

 

Inactives

 

Washington

- Nate Sudfield
- Rashad Ross
- Matt Jones
- Su'a Cravens
- Will Compton
- Vinston Painter
- Kory Lichtensteiger

Carolina
- Cameron Artis-Payne
- Jeremy Cash
- Luke Kuechly
- Daryl Williams
- Chris Manhertz
- Paul Soliai
- Charles Johnson

 

Final Pregame Thoughts

 

There is a healthy dose of skepticism towards the Redskins among the handful of beat-reporters I spoke with. These people are not haters, but are taking the poor performance of Washington's defense along with the front-seven of Carolina into consideration.

 

That said I still believe (which is not really worth much). I think the notion of controlling their own destiny is too much to let slip.

 

I guess we will see shortly.

 

Please follow-along in-game at Twitter @Skinscast. Murf is @HomerMcFanboy 

 

See you at the half...

 

Half

 

After the Cousins' pick I expected Carolina to score another TD and for the game to be over. Somehow a roughing non-call coupled with a taunting call on Cam Newton acted as the big momentum switch Washington needed to get things going. A touchdown drive later and we have a 4-point game with the Redskins getting the ball to start the 2nd half.

 

The Panthers missed a chance to put the Redskins away. Now it is anyone's game.

 

See you after...

 

 

JimmiJo

 

Turnovers. Tackling. Time of possession. Sometimes it is just not your night.

 

The Washington Redskins lost to the Carolina Panthers, 26-15 to jeopardize their playoff chances with two games remaining on the season.

 

In tonight’s loss Washington struggled in the one area they have been most consistent this year; the offense. Interceptions and fumbles. Poor throws and drops. Anemic on third down and inept when rushing. It added up to an inconsistent outing.

 

But the Redskins also struggled in the one area you would expect; the defense. Whether it was giving up big runs to Jonathan Stewart, or big throws to Greg Olson and Ted Ginn. Washington allowed a 30-plus yard scamper on 3^rd-and-1.

 

Not to be left-out, teams contributed their own let-downs, providing poor starting field position, and allowing big returns from the Panthers’ return men.

 

These added up to Washington once again on the outside looking in for a playoff berth, needing help from someone to get back into contention.

 

Talk about a missed opportunity.

 

Dallas’ victory over Tampa Bay gave the Redskins something they sorely desired; control of their destiny. Yet they played as if they couldn’t wait to squander the chance.

 

Carolina’s first-half drives went field goal, punt, touchdown, field goal, punt, punt. The Redskins conversely, went punt, field goal, interception, punt, touchdown, punt.

 

The score was 13-9 in favor of Carolina at the half with Washington scheduled to receive the 2^nd half kickoff.

 

Will Blackmon returned Washington’s ball to only their 14 to start the 3^rd quarter. And on first down, Kirk Cousins was sacked with the Panthers recovering at the Redskins’ one yard-line. Two-plays later the Panthers scored their second touchdown.

 

Washington would add only another field goal to their score while Carolina added a total of 10 to bring the 4th quarter score to 23-12.

 

Worse than the score was the plays where Panther receivers were running free to big yards. Washington’s defense many times failed to account for a free receiver, or couldn’t stop Stewart running out of the backfield.

 

The Redskins did have opportunities. When Carolina kicker Graham Gano missed a field goal with just over 6-minutes to go, Washington had the ball and enough time to overcome an 11-point deficit.

 

They marched down to the Carolina 6, but an illegal use of hands against Morgan Moses put them back to the 16 on third down. Chris Thompson dropped the ensuing pass attempt, which brought out Dustin Hopkins to kick a 34-yard field goal.

 

Down 8 with 3:44 remaining, The Redskins decided to kick off and rely on their defense to provide another drive opportunity.

 

Instead Jonathan Stewart ran the 1^st down hand off 34-yards to the Redskins’ 36. Two plays later, another 10-yard scamper from Stewart.

 

Ahead 23-15 and at the Washington 23-yard line, Carolina looked to put the game on-ice with a Gano field goal at the two-minute warning.

 

He did.

 

Cam Newton ended the night 21/37 for 300-yards and 2 touchdowns with a passer rating of 101.1.

 

Kirk Cousins completed 32/47 for 316-yards and 1 interception for a rating of 77.96.

 

Washington is now 7-6-1 on the season.