Lost in all the hullabaloo over 4th and 1 punts and rookie fumbles was the fact that Sunday’s game in Washington was the best defensive performance the Carolina Panthers have put forth since Week 1. Adrian Peterson was able to pick up a few first downs with his legs, but the Panthers counterbalanced that by stifling Washington’s aerial attack. The Panthers held their opposition to just 4.3 yards per play and kept them out of the end zone for the final 48 minutes of the game. There were some warts, like the third down defense, but it was a strong showing overall for a group that had been the team’s Achilles heel in recent weeks.
The Panthers look to build off a sneaky good showing in Washington.
