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Washington Football Team: Three bold predictions vs. Panthers

By Jacob Camenker

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by defensive end Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Football Team in the third quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by defensive end Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Football Team in the third quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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Dec 7, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team tight end Logan Thomas (82) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Cam Sims (89) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Washington won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team tight end Logan Thomas (82) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Cam Sims (89) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Washington won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Washington offense pops off, goes for over 400 yards

The Washington Football Team has a chance to win the division in Week 16. It’s not entirely in their control, but the only thing they can control is the result of their own game. And obviously, they need to win to have a shot at clinching the division this week. And either way, a win would set them up to clinch in Week 17 if the Giants somehow beat the Ravens.

Washington will be motivated for this game because of what is on the line. The team should have a chance to dominate the Panthers on defense, especially with their excellent defensive line, but the bigger question for them is the offense. If they can move the ball effectively to balance their defensive effort, that would be a huge boon and would allow them to control the clock, build a lead, and protect it as the game goes along.

Of course, there are issues with their potential offensive production. Terry McLaurin (ankle) is doubftul for this game while Alex Smith and Antonio Gibson are both listed as questionable. If none of them can play, Washington will be significantly shorthanded on offense.

Dwayne Haskins may be asked to quarterback the team, but this week he was the subject of scrutiny for attending a party maskless while being surrounded by strippers. That said, the distractions, while detrimental to Washington’s ability to focus on this game, could motivate Haskins to play hard (if he sees the field) and prove that he can start and win at the NFL level.

Besides, it’s not like the Panthers have a very strong defense. They just limited the Packers in the second half of their Week 15 meeting, but they are missing some key contributors on that side of the ball and if they can’t stop the run, Washington could do some damage there and open up opportunities to exploit the Panthers secondary, missing Troy Pride at corner, via play-action.

Washington’s offense will have a chance for a big day against the Panthers. If they show up and start quickly enough, they should be able to post 400+ total yards for the first time this season. We’ll soon see if that happens, but between the motivation and the state of the Panthers defense, they should have a chance to perform well on that side of the ball.

Next. Reality checks for Washington vs. Panthers Week 16. dark

And if they don’t, they could put their playoff chances in jeopardy.

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