Panthers at Washington: Prediction, best bets and what to expect
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers at Washington: What to expect
The Carolina Panthers performed well above expectations at the Green Bay Packers on Saturday Night Football. This was especially evident on the defensive side of the ball and something similar this time out will be even more beneficial coming up against a Washington team that has plenty of doubts surrounding who is going to be under center.
Dwayne Haskins has been in big trouble this week after going to a strip club – pictured without a mask – in a clear breach of COVID-19 protocol following their defeat against the Seattle Seahawks. It’s clear the former first-round pick’s career is hanging by a thread and if Alex Smith is over his hip problem, Ron Rivera will throw him in without hesitation.
This is something that can play to Carolina’s advantage. Washington is giving up 3.1 sacks-per-game, which is ranked No. 29 in the NFL and will be music to a defense that brought down Aaron Rodgers four times last weekend.
Brian Burns might not make the game after tweaking his knee in the closing stages in Green Bay and his absence would be a tremendous blow.
On the opposite side, the Panthers must take some of the pressure off their beleaguered quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. This starts in the trenches with protection against a Washington defensive front that is littered with first-round selections.
If they can adequately protect Bridgewater and go through his progressions quickly, then it should allow Carolina’s dynamic playmakers to do some damage.