The Redskins did just enough to pull out a hard-fought 23-17 win over the Carolina Panthers Sunday. The tone was set early by Washington, as they were able to capitalize on a muffed punt by first-round pick DJ Moore with an Alex Smith touchdown caught by former Maryland Terrapin Vernon Davis.
The Redskins continued their early game dominance by forcing a three and out then coming back with a 12 play, 64-yard drive spanning just over 6 minutes that was capped with Alex Smith’s second TD of the game, this time finding Paul Richardson. The 1st half run continued with a Josh Norman interception (his first since 2016) and a forced fumble that turned to a Dustin Hopkins field goal.
Despite the 17-0 deficit, the Panthers did not quit, as they mounted a 75-yard drive that ended with the play of the game by Devin Funchess on a 23-yard catch that brought the score to 17-6. The teams would trade field goals out of the half bringing the score to, 20-9 the usual feeling of despair set in as Cam Newton led the Panthers on a 9 play 75-yard march that reached the end zone when Newton found another former Terp, this time it was Torrey Smith for a 3 yard pass then again on the 2pt conversion. 20 to 17 was getting to close for comfort.
With 8:32 left on the clock it was time for a drive that the Redskins usually fail to make. They need the old Riggo drill and almost pulled it off. Washington was able to get a field goal, holding the ball for 5:17 winding the clock to down to just above 3 minutes while pushing the lead to 23-17.
The Skins’ then took on the “bend don’t break” mentality giving up over 60 yards on the final Carolina drive that terminated on the Washington 16 yard line when Cam Newton attempted to get the ball to Jarius Wright on a broken pass play.
The Redskins took a knee and that was it. The home team escaped what would have been tied for the biggest comeback in Carolina Panther history. The bottom line was a win – and that is enough for most Redskins fans.
