Despite a 3-2 start to the season that has them just a half game out of first place in the NFC East, the Washington Redskins will turn to John Beck this week over Rex Grossman against the Carolina Panthers. A loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last week was the catalyst for the move, a game in which Grossman threw four interceptions. Beck will make his first in start in four years.
The Panthers meanwhile are set at quarterback, with Cam Newton leading the way. Not that there haven't been struggles. Newton still has more interceptions (nine) than touchdowns (seven). Still, the rookie has proven he can be a gamer, with the Panthers' finishing within seven points in their last three losses. Averaging over eight yards per pass attempt on over 38 attempts a game is impressive at any experience level. Still, the Panthers will have to find a way around Redskins defense that has performed admirably this season, allowing under 17 points per game.
Both teams should be cautiously optimistic about their seasons so far, considering their tempered expectations heading into the season. Redskins' fans have to hope that Beck is the answer at quarterback because going back to Grossman at this point could have negative repercussions on both QBs throughout the rest of the season. Panthers fans should simply be satisfied to sit back and watch the continued maturation of what appears to be a budding star.
Game Date/Time: Sunday, October 23; 1:00pm ET
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
TV Schedule
FOX
TV Distribution Map: The506.com
Radio Schedule
Redskins: ESPN 980
Panthers: 1110 AM WBT
For more on the Redskins head over to Hogs Haven. For more on the Panthers, check out Cat Scratch Reader. Follow the rest of Week 7 at SB Nation NFL.