The Redskins got off to a sloppy start, though current results from Charlotte are encouraging. The score is tied 3-3 between the Redskins and Carolina Panthers.
Tim Hightower is showing the form that made him a trendy fantasy pick, with 71 yards on 11 carries. John Beck, the newly anointed starter for the team, has been spotty. His first few passes looked sharp, connecting with Santana Moss. But then Beck took a hard hit and fumbled, continuing a poor trend with early turnovers for the Redskins offense. Beck did manufacture a long Redskins scoring drive, but the team only gained a field goal. Scoring in the red zone would be a big positive for the Redskins today.
The Redskins defense gave up one early drive, mostly thanks to the wheels of Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. On a long third down, Newton ripped off an impressive run that broke the tackles of Redskins defenders and showed the promise that made Newton the overall No. 1 pick.
Since the opening drive the Redskins defense, led by London Fletcher, has mostly stopped the Panthers offense. Newton remains explosive though and a danger anytime the ball is in his hands.
For more on the Washington Redskins, check out SB Nation's Washington Redskins blogHogs Haven. For more on the Redskins vs. Panthers showdown, visit this StoryStream. For more on the Panthers, visit SB Nation's Panthers blog Cat Scratch Reader.