SportsNetwork:Redskins Team Report: Rock-ing The Panthers

[TK]

http://www.wral.com/nfl/2637773/detail.html

Redskins Team Report: Rock-ing The Panthers

POSTED: 10:33 AM EST November 14, 2003

Washington Redskins Week 11 Team Report -- Redskins Team Report: Rock-ing the Panthers

When the Redskins face former running back Stephen Davis and the Carolina Panthers, they could be using a Rock Cartwright-heavy running game.

Due to a variety of injuries in the backfield, Cartwright has stepped to the forefront at tailback. Cartwright, who is listed as a fullback, has tallied 125 yards on 21 carries (5.9 ypc) over the last two games.

"He's sort of our strongest back," head coach Steve Spurrier said. "He's not real tall, but he's stocky and sturdy. He can break some arm tackles. Breaking tackles is something that truly good running backs can do."

Washington may need to lean on its running game to keep the Panthers' pass rush off balance this week. With Trung Canidate's ineffectiveness (15 carries, 34 yards) against Seattle in his first game back from a sprained ankle last week, the Redskins could start Cartwright this week.

"Certainly we're going to give consideration to starting Rock," Spurrier said. "That may be the way we need to go this week. We'll talk about it as we go."

Cartwright may have to work some at fullback this week with Bryan Johnson still feeling the effects from a mild concussion. Johnson may be getting a special helmet to help him avoid concussions in the future.

"We're trying to find a new helmet for him, one that has a type of bubble on the top," Spurrier said. "Kevin Mitchell has one, so we're trying to get Bryan one."

SAVING SPURRIER

Spurrier may have saved his job last week, as the Redskins managed to stop a four-game skid with a 27-20 win over the Seahawks. The old ball coach pulled out all the stops on the final drive against Seattle, going for it on fourth- and-inches at his own 25 and calling a reverse pass to a wide open Trung Canidate for a touchdown with 1:57 left in the contest.

"When you've lost four in-a-row," Spurrier said, "you don't have to play too conservatively or too careful."

Outside of making the two crucial offensive calls on the final drive, Spurrier used a hands-off approach on offense. Spurrier took a back seat to offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, who was given the go-ahead to make the calls.

"I think Hue did an excellent job on Sunday," Spurrier said. "He's been involved in the play-calling, but what we did differently on Sunday was bring him down to the sidelines. We let him call plays from there and he provided a little extra enthusiasm and energy."

Jackson's play-calling paid dividends for starting quarterback Patrick Ramsey, who wasn't sacked for the first time this season. Ramsey completed 17-of-32 passes for 232 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions on his way to a 71.4 quarterback rating.

Laveranues Coles and Ramsey were on the same page against the Seahawks, hooking up five times for 125 yards and a touchdown. Coles registered his first 100-plus yard receiving game since Week 2. Wideout Rod Gardner caught eight balls for 81 yards and a score, while throwing for the game-winning touchdown.

UP NEXT: The Redskins remain on the road to face the Miami Dolphins next week.

Copyright 2003. Courtesy of SportsNetwork.