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Ranking every Redskins game from least to most difficult for 2018

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 12: Free safety D.J. Swearinger #36 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after an interception during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 12: Free safety D.J. Swearinger #36 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after an interception during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

9. Week 6 vs. Carolina Panthers

I’m not too optimistic about the Panthers improving from last season. They lack talent on the offensive line, especially after losing Andrew Norwell, and don’t have the receiving weapons necessary to make a big impact on that side of the ball.

Cam Newton is a very good quarterback. He can make big plays and is explosive thanks to his mobility. That said, he struggles with accuracy at times and without top level receivers, he can really have issues. First round pick D.J. Moore and a healthy Greg Olsen should help him find more success in 2018, but because of the major questions on the left side of the offensive line, Newton may be scrambling more than some want him to.

This is great news for the Redskins. They have a very strong pass rush and should be able to keep Moore in check. While they did have a lot of trouble covering tight ends last year, the emergence of Montae Nicholson should help them at least cover Olsen better. And once that happens, they just have to focus on slowing Christian McCaffrey, who is better as a receiver than a runner, and Broncos-reject C.J. Anderson.

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49ers can hope Sam Darnold has Alex Smith-like career
49ers can hope Sam Darnold has Alex Smith-like career /

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    • Defensively, the Panthers have a strong front seven highlighted by their elite linebacker corps and Luke Kuechly. But, their secondary can be a bit leaky, and they don’t have an established No. 2 corner across from James Bradberry. They will be hoping that rookie Donte Jackson grows into that role but by Week 6, he may be enduring growing pains.

    For this contest, the Redskins should devise a vertical passing attack to help stretch the Panthers defense a bit thin. Paul Richardson can take the top off the defense, Jamison Crowder can patrol the middle of the field, and Josh Doctson can take on Bradberry in a physical battle. Those guys should be able to win some of the matchup and if not, guys like Chris Thompson will be available for short outlets.

    And with the linebackers guarding the middle of the field and the underneath routes, good pump fakes and play action could do a lot to open up small pockets of space in those areas that Smith can take advantage of. Essentially, using the overaggressive nature of the Panthers to create space should be the Redskins game plan.

    If the Skins can do that, they should have a chance to win. They have the personnel advantage and it’s a home game, so everything should work in their favor.

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