3 problems Commanders must solve before Week 7 vs. the Panthers

Commanders must return to rushing philosophy

Even with former No. 1 overall selection Jadeveon Clowney, the Carolina Panthers have an anemic pass rush. That might convince Washington Commanders' offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury that the way to attack is through the air.

There is little doubt that Washington will air it out against Carolina. However, they should establish their dominance at the line of scrimmage first by returning to their rushing prowess right out of the gate.

The Panthers have not been able to stop anyone on the ground this year. They are currently the third-worst rush defense in the league. That number may be slightly inflated because of their game scripts. They are almost always playing from behind. This allows opposing offenses to chew up the clock and pound Ejiro Evero's unit into submission.

Carolina is allowing almost a half-yard less per rush than Washington, but the Commanders are among the worst in the league in this category. That's a potential issue considering how well Chuba Hubbard's been toting the rock this season.

Washington wanted to run against the Baltimore Ravens, but they excelled in stopping the run. The Panthers do not, which is being nice. The Commanders must find ways to exploit this weakness.

If Brian Robinson Jr. can return from a knee injury that kept him out at M&T Bank Stadium, he should be a major part of Washington’s offense early on. Even if he can’t play, the Commanders should pound away at the Panthers’ suspect front seven.

To keep veteran free-agent signing Austin Ekeler fresh, this might be a game in which Chris Rodriguez Jr., or even practice squad runner Michael Wiley, gets a shot a carrying the ball. There's also the presence of Jeremy McNichols, who's proven dependable when called upon throughout limited involvement so far.

If Washington can soften up the Panthers by running, it will open up Kingsbury's entire playbook.