Predicting the final five games of the Washington Football Team’s season
Week 16 vs. Panthers
I’ve long had this game circled as an important one for Washington. Ron Rivera is squaring off his old team and while he certainly had good memories during his nine-year run in charge of the Panthers, this game will be one that he wants to win.
When the Panthers moved on from Rivera to hire Rhule, a head coach with very little NFL experience but a lot of strong college coaching on their resume, it was recognized as a decision made by an owner that wanted his guy in charge of the franchise. David Tepper went with Rhule and let Rivera walk feeling that the team needed a change.
Tepper, to his credit, did give Rivera a chance to win him over once he bought the team from Jerry Richardson, but amid a tough two-year span with Cam Newton injured, the results weren’t enough for Rivera to be brought back.
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In Washington, fans and analysts alike have seen the impact that Rivera has made. He is a great motivator, he makes strong halftime adjustments, and he is instilling a strong culture in his latest stop. He has the team competing, albeit in a weak division, so he has paid off for Washington.
Meanwhile, Rhule, along with offensive coordinator and wunderkind Joe Brady, have brought some good elements to Carolina as well. Teddy Bridgewater is having one of his best seasons and the weaponry around him is strong, so they will pose a nice test for Washington and their talented, young defense.
That said, Washington has the personnel needed to matchup fairly well with the Panthers. Covering D.J. Moore, Curtis Samuel, and Robby Anderson all at once won’t be easy, but Fuller, Darby, and Jimmy Moreland stand a chance. If Christian McCaffrey plays, then it will be more difficult, but at least Washington should have a chance to limit his yardage on the ground.
The Panthers have an advantage at quarterback, running back (in all likelihood), and wide receiver. Outside of that though, Washington has the better defense, and the blocking units and tight end rooms are about equal. This game should follow suit, so it will come down to which team wants it more.
In the end, that should be Washington. As mentioned before, Rivera will be motivated to beat his former team and will still be jockeying for playoff positioning. The Panthers and Rhule will likely be building toward next year unless they can kickstart an improbable playoff run. Expect Washington to give Rivera a key win in front of his new home base.