The Carolina Panthers came out swinging in their matchup against the Washington Commanders, displaying a methodical drive that had fans hoping for an early statement. Yet, it was Washington's defense that made the first score of the game, capitalizing on a costly mistake by Carolina's offense.
A Strong Start on the Ground
The Panthers' drive began with confidence, with JT Sanders grabbing a 7-yard pickup on first down, quickly setting the tone. Following that, running back Miles Sanders provided a spark with an electrifying 28-yard run on a fly sweep, driving the Panthers deep into Washington territory. The rhythm felt right, and the offense seemed poised to capitalize.
Chuba Hubbard's Consistency
Hubbard's steady gains of 6 yards on first down and another small gain kept the chains moving. His runs complemented the passing game, which featured key plays, including Diontae Johnson's first-down grab. The balance between run and pass had the Commanders' defense on their heels.
The Game-Changing Play
Just as Carolina neared the red zone, the momentum shifted dramatically. On third down, Washington's Dante Fowler Jr. intercepted a pass and returned it 67 yards for a touchdown, flipping the game in the Commanders' favor and turning the Panthers' promising drive into a missed opportunity.
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