Panthers maul Redskins’ playoff hopes
Kirk Cousins threw an interception and fumbled near his goal-line as the Washington Redskins coughed up their easiest path to the playoffs with a 26-15 loss to the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers on Monday night.
Washington (7-6-1) could have clinched a playoff berth by winning its final three games, but now needs help. Carolina (6-8) kept its astronomical wild card hopes alive and dealt a serious blow to the Redskins’ chances.
After being picked off by Kurt Coleman in the first half to set up a Carolina field goal, Cousins was sacked by Wes Horton and fumbled on the first snap after halftime as the Panthers took over at the oneyard line. They scored two plays later to take a 20-9 lead.
Cousins finished 32 of 47 for 316 yards with far too many missed throws in a game with such high stakes.
Reigning MVP Cam Newton showed no ill effects from a shoulder injury last week, throwing for 300 yards and two touchdowns as the Panthers took advantage of blunders by the Redskins, who lost their sixth consecutive Monday night home game.
It was Washington’s most lopsided loss since being routed 38-16 by Pittsburgh in the season opener, also on a Monday night.
FLAGS FOR 15
Newton was penalized 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct in the second quarter for taunting Redskins linebacker Trent Murphy after scrambling for a one-yard gain. Newton thought the flag was on Murphy for hitting him in the helmet while sliding. Instead, the penalty took the Panthers out of field goal range.
Redskins tight end Jordan Reed took a costlier penalty late in the third quarter when he was flagged 15 yards and ejected for throwing a punch at Coleman. That penalty contributed to Washington settling for a field goal when trailing by 14.