Redskins-Panthers preview

October 11, 8:09 AMWashington Redskins ExaminerMark Newgent

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Washington Redskins Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

  Clawless Cats? (AP Photo/Donna McWiliiam)

In the continuing soap opera that is the 2009 Redskins, Clinton Portis and Mike Sellers got into a heated confrontation last Monday. The tete a tete stemmed from Sellers confronting Portis’ over the running back's request to the coaching staff to remove Sellers from the Tampa game because of poor blocking. No punches were thrown, but as Jason Reid of the Washington Post noted, the two had to be restrained. This of course, happened before Sherman Lewis was brought in and Greg Blache stopped talking to the media.

As much as I’d like to continue my armchair psychoanalysis, there is a game today against the 0-3 Carolina Panthers. Believe it or not, the Redskins are actually a better (not by much) offensive team than the Panthers. The Redskins rank 17th in total offense (352 YPG), Carolina is 25th (293 YPG). The Redskins average 14 points a game, Carolina 12 points. However, the key stat is rushing offense. The Redskins rank 21st in rushing at 100 YPG, the Panthers are one notch up at 20th with 101 YPG. Like the Redskins, the Panthers running game is ineffective. This is surprising, given the Panthers finished last season 12-4 and ranked third in rushing. In 2008, Panthers running backs, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for over 2,300 yards and 28 touchdowns. In 2009 they don’t even have 300 yards between them.

The deficiencies in Carolina’s rushing attack most likely stem from the deterioration of  quarterback Jake Delhomme. So far, in 2009, Delhomme has picked up right where he left off 2008—throwing interceptions. Through three games he has seven picks and a 54.4 passer rating. The Panther offensive line has allowed nine sacks.

The usually stout Carolina defense ranks 30th in points per game (29) and dead last in rushing defense (183 YPG). Their pass defense however is very good ranked sixth at just a shade under 180 YPG.

The Redskins and Panthers appear to be mirror images of each other, only the Panthers don’t have a scene from Days of our Lives playing out in the background. Both teams have similar weaknesses and their “strengths” are similarly weak.

If you are looking for sparks in this game, keep an eye on Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith and DeAngelo Hall, there is bad blood between the two.

My Prediction: Panthers 13, Redskins 7

Roster Update: The Redskins cut veteran defensive lineman Renaldo Wynn to make room on the roster for interim punter Glenn Pakulak, until Hunter Smith is ready to return from his groin injury.

I’ll have quarterly updates and tweets--@MarkNewgent. Also, stop by Rich Tandler’s in-game live blog where I’ll be chatting up the action with the resident neer-do-wells.