CHARLOTTE – The Carolina Panthers face the Washington Redskins in week 6 of the NFL schedule.  Carolina looks to improve to 4-1 on the season, while Washington is trying to get to 3-2 for the third straight year.  Carolina has won the last six meetings between the teams.  Here’s a look at what to watch for on Sunday.

CAROLINA ADDS KEY PLAYERS

The Panthers offense will get a boost with the return of tight end Greg Olsen. Olsen has been out since the season opener. Olsen injured his right foot against the Dallas Cowboys, re-fracturing the bone that cost him much of last season. Head coach Ron Rivera told reporters Friday that Olsen is listed as “questionable,” but would be “probable,” if that designation still existed. "He ran around really well. We're pretty excited about it," Rivera said. "We'll see how everything pans out."

Linebacker Thomas Davis returns from his four-game suspension and that should bolster the Carolina defense. Davis missed the opening four games for violating the League’s policy on PED’s. Davis’ return strengthens an already solid group at that position and Rivera says Davis will be on a “pitch count” as they work him back into football shape.

WHEN WASHINGTON HAS THE BALL

Washington has a new quarterback this season in Alex Smith. Smith replaced Kirk Cousins, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings. The Washington signal caller is ranked ninth in the NFC in completion percentage this season (65.9%), but overall, they rank 21st in total offense, averaging 358 yards per game. Washington also has a pair of running backs that make life difficult for the opposition. Adrian Peterson and Chris Thompson are a dual threat, with Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly describing Thompson as, “a problem.”

Carolina’s defense had a difficult second half against the New York Giants in week five, allowing Eli Manning and company to put up 432 total yards, 382 of those through the air.  The Panthers will hope to get more pressure on Smith on Sunday, as they were only able to take Manning down once in the 33-31 win over the Giants. Thomas Davis should help in that effort, depending on how often defensive coordinator Eric Washington sends him in blitz packages.

WHEN CAROLINA HAS THE BALL

The Panthers offense has yet to erupt for a big day in both the run and pass game.  Christian McCaffrey continues to be a dual-threat running back, as his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield is a major weapon for quarterback Cam Newton.  McCaffrey was held in check by the Giants, gaining 93 total yards, but he did score his first touchdown of the season.  Getting McCaffrey going will be vital for the Panthers to open up throwing lanes for Newton.  The addition of Olsen to the offense may not have a huge impact this week, as they try to work him back into game shape.  His presence, however, is an added bonus to Newton.  Olsen’s reliability as a pass catcher can’t be overstated.

The Washington defense poses the toughest test for Carolina this season. As a group, they are ranked fifth in the NFL, and third in the conference. They are allowing 92.5 yards on the ground per game and 227.8 in the pass game. Carolina’s offense will have its hand full on Sunday, as they try to establish the run and give Newton the opportunity to move the ball through the air.

MATCHING UP WITH J-NO

Josh Norman was a major piece of the Panthers defense when they made their run to Super Bowl 50. He left Carolina after the team rescinded the franchise tag on him, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent in 2016 and signed in D.C. Norman has not enjoyed the same kind of success with Washington, as their schemes and personnel are different.  Cam Newton isn’t overlooking Norman and what he can do on the field, calling him one of the main pieces on the Washington defense. How well the Panthers are able to throw the ball away from Norman could go a long way in determining the outcome of this game.

 

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