4 key Panthers matchups to watch at Washington in Week 16
By Dean Jones
Robby Anderson vs. Ronald Darby
Blink and you’ll miss this one.
Two of the NFL’s quickest players are set to lock horns when the Carolina Panthers travel to the Washington Football Team. Robby Anderson might have been a relative afterthought in the gameplan at the Packers’ last time out, but he still managed to go over 1,000-yards receiving for the first time in his career and is another notable milestone for a player who has been a tremendous addition to the passing attack.
Anderson has proven to be much more than the deep-threat label he was tagged with during his time with the New York Jets. It’s clear that Adam Gase wasn’t using him correctly and linking up with his former college coach Matt Rhule has given the free-agent signing a new lease of life.
The former undrafted player out of Temple will be tested to the limit on Sunday lining up against Ronald Darby, who is another that’s enjoyed something of a renaissance in a different environment this season.
Darby has the speed to burn but has had some trouble putting it all together at times throughout his career. However, he has given up just 47 receptions from a lofty 81 targets according to Pro Football Focus in 2020 and Anderson needs to pull out every trick in his arsenal to overcome the cornerback and boost Carolina’s chances of gaining their second victory in 10 games.