With today's game against the New Orleans Saints officially a thing of the past, the Washington Redskins set their focus on the NFC's top team, the Carolina Panthers.
With today's game against the New Orleans Saints officially a thing of the past, the Washington Redskins set their focus on the NFC's top team.
The Redskins next Sunday travel to Charlotte, N.C, to take on the Carolina Panthers. Kickoff at Bank Of America Stadium is set for 1 p.m. ET.
The Panthers enter the contest with a perfect 9-0 record, as they defeated the Tennessee Titans today 27-10.
Carolina has been consistent all year in its nine victories so far, wins over the Houston Texans (24-17), Saints (27-22), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (37-23), Seattle Seahawks (27-23), Philadelphia Eagles (27-16), Indianapolis Colts (29-26) and last week's 37-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers.
The Panthers are led by fifth-year head coach Ron Rivera. Hired in 2011, Rivera, 53, has compiled a 38-33-1 (.535) career record entering today's game in Carolina, which hired him as a rookie head coach in 2011. He was named the NFL's Coach of the Year in 2013, when he led the team to 12 wins and a division championship.
A Super Bowl champion linebacker for the vaunted 1985 Chicago Bears' defense, Rivera has advanced to the playoffs in 18 total seasons over his 27-plus-year NFL career, and his tough-nosed defensive mindset has translated well in Carolina.
The Panthers enter today's game against the Titans off the heels of a satisfying 37-29 home victory over the Packers. Carolina, which was trailing 7-3 after the first quarter, scorched Green Bay with 24 unanswered points in the second quarter to take control of the game.
Quarterback Cam Newton completed 15-of-30 passes for 297 yards with three touchdowns and one interception, while also adding 57 yards rushing and a touchdown on the ground. Running back Jonathan Stewart ran the ball 20 times for 66 yards.
The best of the Redskins-Panthers Week 9 game on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012 at FedExField in Landover, Md.
Redskins QB Robert Griffin III runs the ball in the first half.
Redskins QB Robert Griffin III hands the ball off to RB Alfred Morris.
Redskins QB Robert Griffin III runs the ball past Panthers defenders.
Redskins WR Joshua Morgan puts a strong stiff arm on a Panthers defender.
Redskins LB Perry Riley and S Reed Doughty gang-tackle Panthers QB Cam Newton
Redskins RB Alfred Morries eludes a defender to pick up extra yards.
Redskins LB London Fletcher brings down Panthers TE Greg Olsen during the first half.
Redskins QB Robert Griffin III chats with OC Kyle Shanahan during the game.
Redskins QB Robert Griffin III throws a deep pass during the Redskins-Panthers game.
Redskins cheerleaders perform during the game.
Redskins K Kai Forbath holds his finish after kicking a field goal.
Redskins QB Robert Griffin III looks to pass the ball.
Redskins QB Robert Griffin III throws a pass during the first half.
Redskins cheerleaders performed during the game.
Redskins CB Josh Wilson puts a diving tackle on a Panthers ball carrier.
Redskins great Joe Bugel is honored at the game.
Redskins great Clinton Portis waves to fans as he is honored before the game.
The Redskins honor the "10 for 80" before the Homecoming game.
Redskins QB Robert Griffin III eludes a defender in the second half.
Jacqueline Griffin, mother of Redskins QB Robert Griffin III, wears a jersey and pins to support her son.
The Redskins wear special uniforms to honor their 80th anniversary.
Redskins QB Robert Griffin III greets Panthers QB Cam Newton after the game.
Redskins HC Mike Shanahan greets Panthers HC Ron Rivera after the game.
The Redskins take on the Panthers in a week 9 match-up.
The Redskins host the Panthers in a week 9 match-up.
Wide receivers Devin Funchess (3 receptions, 71 yards) and Corey Brown (2 receptions, 50 yards) and tight end Greg Olsen (4 receptions, 66 yards) each had touchdown receptions on the day, while wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery led the Panthers with three receptions for 82 yards.
Carolina had five total sacks of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the day. Linebacker Thomas Davis led the Panthers' defense with a hallmark performance – six tackles with a sack and an interception. Linebacker Luke Kuechly led the team with nine total tackles.
Former Redskins kicker Graham Gano also was responsible for 13 total points, converting 3-of-4 field goal attempts and making all four of his extra-point tries.
The Panthers entered today's game ranked 12th in the league in total offense at 358.9 yards per game. Their 142.2 rushing yards per game is the second-best mark among the league's 32 teams. The Carolina defense, meanwhile, allows 350 total yards per game, which ranks 14th in the NFL.
Through eight games, Newton has completed 132-of-246 passes (53.7 percent) for 1,820 yards with 14 touchdowns to nine interceptions. His 343 rushing yards are second on the team to Stewart's 571, and Newton continues to impress as a dual-threat quarterback with five rushing touchdowns so far this season.
Olsen leads the Panthers with 37 receptions for 584 yards and five touchdowns. Speedster Ted Ginn and Brown each have three receiving touchdowns apiece.
Davis (65 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, three interceptions) and Kuechly (55 tackles, one sack, five passes defensed, one interception) lead the Carolina defense so far this season, while defensive tackle Kawann Short is enjoying a breakout year with 32 tackles, six sacks, four passes defensed and one forced fumble.
Game notesHere's some more facts and figures from next Sunday's Redskins-Panthers matchup in Charlotte, N.C., courtesy of Redskins Public Relations:
- The Redskins are 7-4 all-time against the Panthers.
- A win would even the Redskins' all-time road record against the Panthers in Charlotte at 3-3.
.
.
.
