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5 bold predictions for Redskins vs. Panthers in NFL Week 6

By Jacob Camenker

NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 08: Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins runs with the ball as Kurt Coleman #29 of the New Orleans Saints defends at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 8, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 08: Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins runs with the ball as Kurt Coleman #29 of the New Orleans Saints defends at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 8, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 09: Running back Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins reacts with teammates offensive guard Brandon Scherff #75, quarterback Alex Smith #11 (back) and offensive tackle Morgan Moses #76 after scoring on a 13-yard run during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 09: Running back Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins reacts with teammates offensive guard Brandon Scherff #75, quarterback Alex Smith #11 (back) and offensive tackle Morgan Moses #76 after scoring on a 13-yard run during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3. Redskins offensive line allows zero sacks of Alex Smith

The Redskins offensive line was considered to be a strength for them in each of the past two seasons. However, it’s been much more of a roller coaster ride for the unit recently.

With Trent Williams dealing with another knee injury and the left guard position still being troublesome, the Redskins have occasionally had trouble keeping their QBs and RBs clean. They have talent on their line — particularly at tackle and right guard, where Williams and Brandon Scherff are perennial Pro-Bowlers — so they’ll need to step up at some point in the near future.

As our own Tim Payne pointed out in his reality checks for this week, the offensive line performance from last week definitely had a negative impact on Smith, and that’s an area that the team has to clean up moving forward.

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"My theory is that the number of pressures, sacks, and hits they gave up on the first three drives of the game led to much of Alex Smith’s inaccuracy and skittishness. He has to be able to overcome adversity more effectively, but he should demand more from the OLine as well. We should all expect this unit to perform better than last week and to get their rhythm back."

I firmly agree with Payne on this one. The offensive line knows how poorly they performed and they know that can’t continue. Going up against a Carolina front that hasn’t been particularly great in rushing the passer should definitely help their cause. Zero sacks would obviously be ideal, and it’s definitely a possibility for Washington at home against the Panthers.

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