WAYNE ROOT W/Writeup
Millionaires---Washington
What a year makes. This time last year the Panthers were undefeated and well on their way to the playoffs and Super Bowl. Tonight it's time for payback. Carolina ripped the Redskins in a 44-16 home victory last season. That included the defense forcing five turnovers. A year later, Washington's quarterback Kirk Cousins has been praised for his poise and precision at times as the Redskins have hung tough in the NFC East. The offense has become more difficult to defend as Carolina will see especially since Josh Norman has switched jerseys. Carolina has one major health issue in the game. It's unclear if Cousins will have to contend with Panthers star linebacker Luke Kuechly, who has missed three games because of a concussion. It will be a game time decision. Cousins looks like a different quarterback at times as he continues to develop and might be directing a playoff-bound team. They are 7-5-1 and probably need to win the next three games. Washington is arguably playing in their biggest home game of the year this week against Carolina. Cousins will look to exploit the Panthers’ third-worst pass defense in the NFL while Carolina doesn’t really have much to play for. He’s thrown for 4,045 yards already this season, good for third in the NFL. Cousins is also only one of three quarterbacks to have eclipsed the 4,000-yard passing threshold before Week 15. Expect Kirk Cousins to have a good game, and his O-line to show up big as well, allowing Cousins to find DeSean Jackson, who is capable of making huge plays. Kirk Cousins has a deep outside threat in DeSean Jackson. But Cousins loves working the middle of the field with tight end Jordan Reed and slot receiver Jamison Crowder. That could be an issue for a Panthers’ defense that again could be missing middle linebacker Luke Kuechly.