The two teams that face off in the NFC wildcard this week couldn't be much more different. The Redskins, coached by AY's longest standing HC, venerable Arnie Kitching, are the NFC's best lead running team, with one of the most straightforward and powerful offences in the league: while the Panthers are no longer coached by accomplished HC Danny SLavin, who was active in the league for a half-season or less, Carolina have the most potent and explosive offence in the history of the league, leading them to be the most successful chamion in the NFLAY.

These two teams have represented the NFC in the last 3 superbowls, and for the Redskins this game indicates a return to greatness, while the Panthers have remained at the top level until this season, as they drop their division for the first time ever*

AFC focused coaches may be surprised to learn that the Skins have the NFC's 4th best offence, better than lauded teams like the Panthers and Eagles. More of a shock for those not paying close attention to the team from the Nation's capital is their status as the league's 4th best defence, (infact better than every AFC team). The redskins stingy front 7 will be inder pressure to cover the Panther's stretch formation, and while they give up only 3.4 yards a carry the focus on the passing game will likely see that stat blowout this week. While the yards allowed per pass attempt, completion and per game are reasobnable for Washington the worrying stat is their inability to gather interceptions in pass defence, with a league low 10 interceptions all year. The skins prefer to cover man to man and limit completions, rather than hope for interceptions from zone coverage, whether this strategy will work against he Panthers will be interesting to see.

At 249 yards per game the Panthers have the league's stingiest "dee", though the power running of the SKins could make a mess out of their run defence, which allows 4.3 per rush. The key as always for the Panther's defence will be to score early and prolifically and force the opponent into catchup situations.

Without Slavin's input the Redskins should win this one and continue on to play the other Juggernaught from out west next week.
Carolina 24 Washington 27


*as far as I know

Another excellent review from Al Supremo.

Despite not being there, the Panthers are still difficult to beat,especially at home.  So, with homefield advantage,I think the Panthers will win 29-21.

Quote :

The Cardinal wrote : Another excellent review from Al Supremo. Despite not being there, the Panthers are still difficult to beat,especially at home.  So, with homefield advantage,I think the Panthers will win 29-21.

Good call on both counts your Cardinalship!

Should be a cracking game, and i must say i am stoked to see Arnie still going strong. The rise in play level in thei League seems to have done no harm to his coaching. Will alos go the Black Cats, 21-17