It’s hit or miss for Panthers QB Allen
He played well against Saints but has lost last 3
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Kyle Allen’s first season of extensive NFL playing time has been so-so for the Carolina Panthers.
At times, he’s looked lost and mistakeprone.
In other games, the second-year quarterback has looked like a potential long-term replacement for Cam Newton.
On Sunday, Allen faces the Washington Redskins (2-9) looking to build on a three-touchdown performance in a 34-31 loss to the New Orleans Saints last Sunday and continue to gain confidence and experience.
“He’s still growing and he’s still a work in progress,” Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. “But at the same time he’s done some really good things that have given us an opportunity to win. We’ve won some with him and lost some. But most games he’s given us a chance to win and that’s what you’re looking for.”
Allen said he hasn’t had a chance to look back and evaluate his performance this season, but said his biggest goal needs to be continuing to cut down on turnovers.
The second-year quarterback began his career with five straight wins but has since lost four of his past five he’s started, including the past three.
Allen has thrown for 13 touchdowns and turned the ball over 14 times — nine on interceptions and five on fumbles for the 5-6 Panthers.
HASKINS LEARNS: Redskins rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins said missing the final snap last week against Detroit while taking selfies with a fan was a mistake that won’t happen again. After complaining a sore right wrist contributed to completing just 13 of 29 passes and missing some open receivers, the 15th overall pick said he’s good to go and will try not to make those overthrows again. “I just missed, wasn’t gripping the ball the way I usually do,” Haskins said. “Good thing I know those guys are going to get open and make plays for me. So I’ll learn from it.”
MOORE STEPPING UP: D.J. Moore (Maryland) seems to be developing into the No. 1 receiver the Panthers hoped he would become following a productive November. In four games, Moore caught 30 passes for 442 yards and two touchdowns, including six catches for 126 yards against the Saints with two TDs. He enters Sunday’s game with a streak of four straight games with at least 95 yards receiving. “His run-after-thecatch (numbers) have been awesome,” Allen said. “When he gets that ball in his hands he’s tough to tackle.”
CALLAHAN’S COACHING WORKS: For the first time since taking over for Jay Gruden, interim Redskins coach Bill Callahan seems to have really gotten through to players. Callahan ripped into his team the night before the Lions game, it ticked off some players but fired up others. Expect his brand of tough love and hard criticism to continue. “I loved it,” defensive lineman Jonathan Allen said. “I come from Coach (Nick) Saban, so I’m used to that. That didn’t bother me one bit at all. I guess it worked.”