5 major factors to blame for Carolina Panthers’ loss vs. Washington
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers had no answer for Terry McLaurin
Curtis Samuel was unable to prove his fitness and take the field against his former team. But one wide receiver stood up and made his presence felt from start to finish.
The Washington Football Team was depending on Terry McLaurin more than ever before. And he delivered with a special performance that further enhanced his reputation as one of the league’s brightest young players at the position.
McLaurin gave Donte Jackson and the Carolina Panthers an untold amount of problems. One that didn’t really get solved unless All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore was matched up against him.
Just why Gilmore didn’t get this responsibility prominently was bemusing. But the Panthers are clearly limiting the corner’s snaps as he continues to work his way back from a torn quad.
Blown coverages and miscommunication didn’t exactly help, either.
The Ohio State product’s stat line of five receptions for 103 receiving yards and a touchdown could have been more had Taylor Heinicke connected with McLaurin when open. Washington also got plenty of success in the run game that meant the passing attack wasn’t needed all that much.
Everyone who matched up with him had a tough time outside of Gilmore. In Jackson’s case, this was his most disappointing performance of 2021 by a considerable margin.