Carolina Panthers veteran linebacker Thomas Davis returned to the lineup against Washington, performing well after serving a four game suspension. After surrendering 17 unanswered points, put into difficult circumstances via the special teams and offense, the defense seemed to improve as the game progressed, giving up just two second half field goals.
The pass rush was more evident but the deficiencies in the secondary continued to be apparent. Whether by miscommunication or missed assignment, Redskins quarterback Alex Smith found Vernon Davis wide open in the end zone as the Washington tight ends tormented Carolina for 84 yards and the score.