Throwdowns > Forfeited

ElevenRingsSTL said 11/02, 03:20 PM
While it's tough to argue that the Panthers don't suck, I will say that they are better than their 1-6 record indicates, and I like their chances against Washington this week.

Other than the Giants game in Week 3 when they got blown out, the Panthers have lost 5 games by a total of 18 points. They've been in nearly every game, and had late leads in at least 3 of them, but have come up short.

They were winning on the road at still undefeated Atlanta, and lost on a FG in the final minute.

They lost to Seattle by four.

They were ahead of Dallas until the final four minutes.

They should have won in Chicago last week. The primary reasons they didn't were because of a shanked punt and Steve Smith falling down on a pick six that turned around a 19-7 4th quarter Panther lead.

That is four straight close losses facing some excellent defenses, particularly ATL, SEA and CHI. The Washington defense won't present the same issues for Carolina.

When you keep losing close games in the NFL like that, eventually the law of averages catches up and the Football Gods turn one in your favor. This promises to be a close game, and one that will finally go the Panthers way.

ElevenRingsSTL said 11/03, 07:55 PM
There is little about Washington's 32nd ranked pass defense that would make me think that Newton is going to blow a gasket. He threw for 314 yards last week on the road against Chicago's defense. I don't see him being intimidated by the Washington defense.

The Panthers have more sacks and more quarterback hurries than do the Redskins. I think it is more likely that the Panther defense rattles Griffin a little bit than the other way around.

Carolina is overdue, playing a lesser opponent then what they have been playing the last four weeks, and have the superior defense in what should be a high-scoring game between closely matched teams. This is the week a close game finally goes the Panthers direction.

Washington actually won their last home game, so any idea you are suggesting about them being due at home is kind of a moot point.

Carolina by 3.