Thanks for reading my preview of the Washington Redskins at the Carolina Panthers game. Since I blog about the Carolina Panthers this will mostly be showing the keys for the team to beat the Redskins.

For the Carolina Panthers to defeat the Washington Redskins then the run defense must improve. John Beck is making his first start of the year after Rex Grossman was benched. Coach Mike Shanahan loves to run the ball anyway and will try to do so to take pressure off of John Beck.

Washington Redskins running back Ryan Torain is having a good season and is averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Former Arizona Cardinal Tim Hightower is also a solid runner when healthy for the Redskins.

In this case the best defense is a good offense. The Carolina Panthers must strike fast and get a lead to keep the Skins from running all day. The Washington Redskins do have a nice defense but Cam Newton and company can pass on anyone.

Now that Cam Newton has six starts under his belt, teams are figuring him out. So for the Carolina Panthers to beat the Redskins, Carolina must run the ball better. Even with film on Cam Newton defenses must still respect DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart if they are playing well.

Byron Bell must improve now that he has replaced Jeff Otah who went on injured reserve. The Panthers have enough quality linemen to overcomeBell’s inexperience but they all must cut down on the penalties.

The Panthers defense must try to get pressure on John Beck and wrap up when tackling Torain. If the Panthers defense can force a couple of turnovers I feel Carolina will beat Washington.

The Panthers must find some way to improve their special teams as they are pretty bad. The return teams could use a boost and the coverage teams need to tackle better. I feel the poor special teams play is a product of the NFL lockout and a lack of practice before the season.

I am predicting a victory by the Carolina Panthers over the Washington Redskins. I think the overall talent is better in Carolina and that the team is tired of losing. Cam Newton needs a win so Ron Rivera won’t call him “Mr. Mopey Head” again.