Impact player Quarterback Cam Newton looked like a veteran player rather than a guy playing only his seventh NFL game. He showed all facets of his game, finishing with 315 total yards of offense. His 36-yard pass to Steve Smith on a corner route was beautiful.
Under the radar
Receiver Steve Smith was wide open too often and finished with seven catches for 143 yards. Whatever the Redskins tried to do with him did not work. He remains a dangerous player, and the Redskins’ secondary was unable to handle him.
Did you notice …
How well the running game was working in the first half? Tim Hightower gained 78 yards on his first 15 carries. But it resulted in only six points as the passing game stumbled. The tight ends helped with blocks on the edge to open holes.
From the sidelines
Ron Rivera and the Panthers’ coaching staff have done a good job of simplifying the offense for Newton while also incorporating his skills. They wisely use plays Newton ran in college. They consistently handled the Redskins’ defense.
Redskins coach Mike Shanahan tried to attack, but it cost them. A fumbled reception late in the first half led to a Panthers field goal. And a failed fourth-and-2 in the third was followed two plays later by a Carolina touchdown.
– John Keim
