Panthers vs Commanders Preview (10-19-24)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders
Landover, MD –The Washington Commanders welcome the Carolina Panthers to Northwest Stadium on October 20 for a week seven NFC matchup. Both Washington (4-2) and Carolina (1-5) are coming off week six losses and will look to return to the win column.
Carolina hosted the division rival Atlanta Falcons last week hoping to play spoiler to the division leaders. Unfortunately, Atlanta’s running back duo of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allegier killed Carolina’s defense rushing for 200 yards combined and three rushing touchdowns. For Carolina, Andy Dalton completed 26 passes for 221 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Third-year running back Chuba Hubbard continues his hot stretch over the past four weeks, running for 92 yards on 5.1 yards per carry.
The Commanders traveled to Baltimore for a beltway battle with the Lamar Jackson-led Ravens. The Ravens defeated Washington 30-23 in a tightly contested matchup. Jackson and company were too much for the Commanders’ defense, wearing them down throughout the game and putting up 484 total yards for three touchdowns.
Rookie sensation Jayden Daniels continues to shine, as the offense and he kept the Commanders in the game scoring 13 second-half points and answering when the Ravens scored. Daniels went 24-of-35 passing the ball with 269 passing yards and two touchdowns (both to Terry McLaurin). Daniels was named Rookie of the Week for the fifth time this season.
Keys To Victory
● Create Negative Yardage Plays For Carolina On First And Second Downs: The Commanders must limit the average yards per play against Carolina on Sunday. Baltimore killed Washington in that area of the game, as they had five receivers averaging 13.5+ yards per reception leading to numerous chunk plays, especially in the second half.
● Utilize The Run Game: Last week, starting running back Brian Robinson Jr. missed Sunday’s game with a knee injury and Washington had to rely more on their passing game. The Commanders only totaled 52 rushing yards with Daniels leading the way with 22. They must go back to establishing the run and force the Panthers into stacking the box. The dynamic of the RPO with Daniels and Robinson Jr. can force the Panthers into biting more on play fakes.
● Secondary Communication: The Commanders’ defensive backs hurt themselves last week with the lack of proper communication and knowing where to be in certain plays. In order to prevent explosive plays or wide-open receivers, pre-snap communication will be key, and knowing when to pass off a receiver to the closest teammate in different zone coverages.
Carolina and Washington Player To Watch
● WR Diontae Johnson: Johnson is actually questionable to play coming into this matchup. But if he is good to go Sunday, the Commanders must keep him under control. Since Andy Dalton has taken over as the starting quarterback in week three, Johnson has hauled in 24 catches for 306 yards and three touchdowns. Johnson can play inside and outside which can have him line up anywhere throughout the game.
● DT Daron Payne: With defensive tackle Jonathan Allen out for the season, Payne will have to step up and anchor the defensive line the rest of the way. We’re still waiting for that one game he dominates, rushing the passer and cleaning up the run game. He’s a physically powerful dynamic defensive tackle who needs to showcase the dominance he can establish. Leading the line by example will help set the tone.
Trap Game?
Going into Carolina week, many fans are expressing some nerves due to Washington entering games this week against opponents that they can and are expected to defeat. Back in the 2022 season, it was week five against Tennessee where the Commanders had a last-minute drive with them trailing 21-17 with a little over two minutes left to potentially win the game. Washington got as close to the Tennessee two before an interception thrown by former starting quarterback Carson Wentz sealed the game. Then you look back to last season, week five against the Bears last year against a winless Bears team where they lost 40-20, with Chicago ending a 14-game winless skid. Could this Sunday be the same case? I don’t believe so this is a different regime and coaching staff that has already preached the importance of staying prepared and ready for this Carolina squad. There are veteran leaders in the locker room who will make their voices heard and a franchise star quarterback who you can count on to be ready.
Vs. Carolina
The Panthers and Commanders have played 17 times of all time, with Washington leading 10-7. The Commanders won the most recent matchup back in 2021, 27-21 in Cam Newton’s return to the Panthers.
Final Verdict
It’s a must-win situation for the Commanders and they know that. Take advantage of the matchups, and you can walk away with a comfortable victory. Carolina has talented pieces on this team in their offensive line, running back, and receivers. Neutralizing them will be key in how the course of the game goes.
