Panthers scouting report: Christian McCaffrey primed for a big day vs. Washington
The Panthers will try to rebound from their tough loss to the Saints last week when they host Washington for Week 13. Here is a scouting report for the NFC matchup.
WHEN THE PANTHERS PASS THE BALL ...
Kyle Allen needs a similar performance to last week in New Orleans. The Panthers quarterback put on an impressive showing in New Orleans, ending a four-game interception streak and throwing three touchdowns. He made good decisions and brought his team back from multiple 10-point deficits. A game after throwing four picks, there was not much more you could have asked from Allen. But Washington’s pass defense is one of the team’s strengths; it allow 231.4 pass yards per game (11th) and have 12 interceptions (4th), but only 29 sacks on the season (tied for 14th). Sacks have become an issue for Carolina’s offense and it will only get worse with left guard Greg Van Roten now on injured reserve. The Panthers have allowed three or more sacks in seven of Allen’s nine starts. Don’t expect to see familiar face Josh Norman out there much, either, as he’s not expected to start. Either way, Allen has a good chance to continue the smart decision-making.
Advantage: Panthers
WHEN THE PANTHERS RUN THE BALL ...
Carolina should have a lot of success. Christian McCaffrey leads the NFL in rushing yards per game (102.1) and rushing touchdowns (12). Washington, partly due to trailing so often late in games, has allowed 137.6 rushing yards per game (28th) and has given up 110-plus rush yards in each of the last five games. While Washington has only allowed nine rushing touchdowns (tied for 14th), McCaffrey should be able to put together a strong performance at home.
Advantage: Panthers
WHEN WASHINGTON PASSES THE BALL …
It could have some success. The Panthers have given up 290-plus passing yards in three of the last four games and have just one interception over the last three games, but rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins hasn’t played well. He has thrown two touchdowns and six interceptions in just five games (only three starts), but is coming off of his first career win over the Lions. Accuracy continues to be an issue for him. He has completed 54.6 percent of his passes and is coming off a career-low vs. the Lions of just 44.8 percent. The Panthers are third in the NFL with 13 interceptions and have 41 sacks, second-most. They should be able to get to Haskins, who has been sacked two-plus times in each game he has played, and take advantage of his accuracy issues.
Advantage: Panthers
WHEN WASHINGTON RUNS THE BALL …
Things could get interesting. This is an area of weakness for both teams. Washington hasn’t had success running the ball (averaging 85.9 rushing yards per game) and has scored only two rushing touchdowns this season, fewest in the NFL. Adrian Peterson has had two 100-yard games this season and has not been used consistently. Derrius Guice is back from injury and could see his role upgraded against the Panthers, but he is averaging 2.7 yards per attempt. Carolina has one of the league’s worst run defenses, allowing 127.5 yards per game and a league-high 19 rushing touchdowns. The Panthers have given up 100-plus rushing yards in nine games this season, second-most behind the Cardinals. This will be Washington’s opportunity to get their offense going against Carolina.
Advantage: Washington
SPECIAL TEAMS
This will just focus on field-goal kicking because of the Panthers’ recent issues. Joey Slye missed two extra-point attempts and a 28-yard field goal in the Panthers’ loss to the Saints last week. Because of his poor performance, Carolina felt the need to add kicker Greg Joseph to the practice squad to give the rookie some competition. Slye has now made 73.1 percent of his field-goal attempts, 28th in the league. He has also missed a total of four point-after attempts. Washington kicker Dustin Hopkins isn’t perfect, but he has made 16-of-20 field-goal attempts and is yet to miss an extra-point.
Advantage: Washington
COACHING
This isn’t particularly close. Washington fired Jay Gruden after an 0-5 start. Since interim head coach Bill Callahan took over, he had led the team to two wins. Washington has been inconsistent and filled with issues. While the Panthers have had their ups and downs, Ron Rivera’s team played inspired football last week against the Saints, despite coming up short. After a tough loss to the Falcons it would have been easy for Carolina to check out after falling behind by 14 points in the first quarter. Instead, the Panthers battled back and almost beat the Saints on the road. Rivera even made a wise choice in successfully challenging pass interference late in the fourth quarter. He should have the Panthers ready to go against Washington.
Advantage: Panthers
PREDICTION
The Panthers are coming off yet another tough defeat. Unlike their response to the loss to Green Bay a couple weeks ago — a blowout loss to Atlanta — this time, Carolina will perform well at home. Allen will continue to improve on last week’s performance and McCaffrey will have another one of his stellar performances, despite the weakened offensive line. Haskins is in for a tough day and will be sacked at least three times. The Panthers will end their three-game losing streak and beat Washington at home.
Carolina 27, Washington 10
