Carolina Panthers 26-15 Washington Redskins
Tuesday 20 December 2016 08:29, UK
The Washington Redskins lost ground on their rivals, slipping to a 26-15 home loss against the Carolina Panthers. It was an improved performance for Carolina quarterback Cam Newton, who threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns.
In 140 Characters...
The Redskins' play-off hopes take a knock, dropping out of the picture in week 15. Encouraging for the Panthers, but too little too late.
MVP
Veteran running back Jonathan Stewart put up 132 rushing yards, his best total of the season. He gave Newton a viable alternative to the passing game, and the Redskins couldn't find a way to control him.
Game-changer
Jordan Reed lost his composure at the end of the third quarter, swinging for Kurt Coleman after the two tangled. Washington failed to create the chances after one of their most effective red zone threats was sent to the locker room.
Stat of the night
1-16 - The Redskins' Monday night struggles contine. The organisation has won just once since 1998 when playing on MNF.
The game
Carolina took a 3-0 lead on the opening drive, after a promising attack stalled within 20 yards of the end zone. Graham Gano converted the 35-yard field goal, before the Redskins levelled with a 43-yard kick of their own.
Ted Ginn Jr. scored the first touchdown of the night, taking advantage of loose coverage deep down the field to break free and catch the 30-yard scoring pass from newton.
Kirk Cousins then threw the game's only interception, his ball deep downfield picked off by Panthers safety Kurt Coleman. Carolina took advantage of the defensive play, adding a 23-yard field goal to make it 13-3.
Washington made it a four-point game at half time as Rob Kelley forced his way over the goal line from five yards out, but kicker Dustin Hopkins missed the extra point attempt.
The visitors extended their advantage early in the second half, as Wes Horton forced and recovered the fumble after sacking Cousins at the Redskins' own 5-yard line. Newton made no mistake from close range, tossing right to Mike Tolbert who extended his arm to get the ball into the end zone.
The teams exchanged field goals later in the quarter, but Washington were forced to play the rest of the game without Jordan Reed, who was ejected for throwing a punch at Coleman.
With ten minutes to go, Gano missed a 38-yard field goal attempt, handing a lifeline to the Redskins, but after making to Carolina's six-yard line, Cousins failed to capitalise and the team were forced to settle for another field goal.
The Panthers wound down the clock, adding another three points of their own, to win the game and take Washington out of the play-off spots. The Redskins fall to 7-6-1, and as it stands, give up their place in the post-season to the Green Bay Packers.
Carolina's season is all-but-over, but the team proved that they were going to fight until the end. Stewart had his first 100+ yard rushing performance of the season, and the offensive line was in control throughout the game. There is a chance the Panthers could still quality for January NFL, but must first beat the Atlanta Falcons and then Tampa Bay Buccaneers to stand any chance of making it back to the Super Bowl.
