7 key takeaways from Panthers’ win at Washington in Week 16
By Dean Jones
Tre Boston was sensational
He’s had some deserved criticism this season, but Tre Boston was absolutely sensational for the Carolina Panthers at Washington. The safety seemed to be everywhere on the field during what was easily his best performance of the campaign and will do his chances of being around in 2021 the world of good.
When Boston is in this sort of mood, he makes everyone around him better. His infectious personality is easy to get behind and it’s clear that even during his personal struggles, the veteran’s leadership and motivation in the locker room have been a huge asset for a young roster to call upon.
Just when people were starting to write Boston off, he turned in a performance of the highest quality and the Panthers will be hoping this can generate some positive momentum heading into the offseason.
Phil Snow continues to shine
What Phil Snow has done with this defense over the course of the season has been nothing short of remarkable. They are playing with a freedom and confidence that simply wasn’t there at the start of the season and their dominant display at Washington was another huge shot in the arm for a young unit who will all be getting better together moving forward.
It’s easy to forget that Snow himself was adjusting to the NFL despite his experience coaching at the college system. He – like his defensive players – went through their fair share of growing pains and Carolina is now reaping the rewards of his labor.
There is just no telling how much better this group can become with two or three quality additions and a less disrupted offseason period next year. Snow is the mastermind behind it all and deserves all the credit in the world.