Panthers at Redskins Recap, Highlights, Final Score, More

By Fansided and Cody Williams/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone
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The Carolina Panthers played the role of possible spoiler, upsetting the Washington Redskins in DC on Monday Night Football in Week 15.

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The Washington Redskins were in a fantastic position for the NFC Playoff race as they welcomed the Carolina Panthers to FedEx Field for Monday Night Football. With only three games left as they played in Week 15, the Redskins winning would have been huge for them after a Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss. However, the defending NFC Champion Panthers had other plans entirely.

Right out of the gate, the visiting Panthers appeared to be the much more aggressive and in-rhythm team. Cam Newton was moving the ball well through the air and Jonathan Stewart was breaking off chunks of yardage on the ground. What’s more, Kirk Cousins and the Redskins offense—once they got the ball—seemed out-of-sync and the quarterback seemingly couldn’t make the plays we’ve seen from him all season.

Carolina jumped out to a 13-3 lead in the first half, but a Robert Kelley touchdown pulled Washington closer. Unfortunately, the missed Dustin Hopkins extra-point left Washington trailing 13-9 at halftime. After that, though, it was pretty much all Panthers.

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    That’s not to say that Newton and company played perfectly. Complete with mental errors and generally questionable play, it felt at times as if the Panthers were trying to gift the game to the Redskins. But when it got down to the fourth quarter, the Carolina defense came up big enough and Graham Gano hit a late field goal to seal it and help the Panthers play spoiler.

    Three Stars

    Cam Newton, Panthers – Despite being in obvious pain with an ailing shoulder all evening, Newton played tremendously to pick up the victory to save some pride. Cam finished going 21-of-37 for 300 yards and two touchdowns.

    Jonathan Stewart, Panthers – Stewart looked like the best version of himself, absolutely torching the Washington run defense that has been much maligned. He took 25 carries for 132 yards and added an 8-yard reception as well.

    DeSean Jackson, Redskins – Jackson was a weapon all night for Washington, even though it ultimately didn’t result in the win. He caught seven of his 10 targets for 111 yards.

    Highlights

    Next Game

    Washington will go on the road to face the Chicago Bears in Week 16 trying to keep playoff hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Panthers will continue to look to save their pride as they welcome the Atlanta Falcons to Charlotte.