Panthers at Redskins
How much of an impact Josh Norman's decision to leave Carolina via free agency had on the team will never be known, but one thing is certain: The Panthers will need a miracle to return to the postseason. Sitting three games out of the final playoff spot in the NFC with three to play, Carolina will pay a visit to Norman and the Washington Redskins on Monday night.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera said his team has "no room for error" and quarterback Cam Newton insisted going up against Norman, who signed a $75 million, five-year deal with the Redskins, is not part of the game plan. "It's not a game about him vs. us," Newton said. "We just need to win this game." Washington is not in as precarious a situation as Carolina but still faces an uphill climb, trailing Tampa Bay by one-half game for the sixth seed in the NFC. The Redskins suffered their worst loss of the 2015 season with a 44-16 beating at Carolina 13 months ago.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Redskins -6.5. O/U: 50.5
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (5-8-0): Although Carolina is coming off a 28-16 victory over San Diego, its playoff hopes went on life support following a disastrous two-game West Coast trip in which its defense was carved up for 75 points in losses at Oakland and Seattle. Star middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, sidelined for the past three games, has practiced fully for the past three days but remains in the NFL's concussion protocol. Newton, dealing with a sore throwing shoulder that limited him in practice this week, has only 15 touchdown passes after tossing a career-high 35 last season and has failed to reach 200 yards in the air in three of the past four games. Carolina has amassed a league-best 39 sacks.
ABOUT THE REDSKINS (7-5-1): Washington coach Jay Gruden is not worried about Norman being overly amped up to face his former team, which allowed him to walk as a free agent after pulling back the franchise tag. "The good thing with Josh is that it doesn't vary week to week," Gruden said. "He gets up for everybody. That's the beauty of him. That's why he's such a great player, because he doesn't discriminate as far as him and his emotions and his level of intensity for game day." Quarterback Kirk Cousins has surpassed 4,000 yards for the second straight season and could get a boost with tight end Jordan Reed (shoulder), limited to one catch last week. Washington has won three straight at home, averaging 33 points.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Newton has seven touchdown passes and zero interceptions in three meetings versus Washington.
2. Redskins LB Ryan Kerrigan has eight sacks and two forced fumbles in the past eight home games.
3. Panthers TE Greg Olsen is 93 yards shy of his third straight 1,000-yard season.