The Carolina Panthers have had a difficult time in their own stadium this season, especially over the past three games.
In consecutive home losses to Philadelphia, Minnesota and New England, the Panthers have struggled offensively. The crowd in Charlotte has too often been either quiet or overrun by opposing fans. The Panthers have largely played better on the road in 2021 and haven’t won a home game in the past two months, as head coach Matt Rhule pointed out Friday.
“We need to reclaim Bank of America Stadium,” the Panthers new/old quarterback Cam Newton said Thursday. “I know the success hasn’t been there, but we ain’t talking about the past. (We are) talking about the things here moving forward.”
So what happens Sunday in Charlotte, when Carolina (5-5) hosts the Washington Football Team (3-6) and former coach Ron Rivera? The Observer experts make their picks.
Jonathan Alexander, Panthers beat writer: The key to beating Washington’s Football Team is forcing turnovers.
Taylor Heinicke is 1-5 as a starter when he has one or more turnovers and is 2-1 when he is turnover-free. The Panthers defense is playing lights out, and as long as the offense doesn’t mess it up, I think the Panthers will win in front of what should be a sold-out Bank of America Stadium in Cam Newton’s return. Panthers 27, Washington 20.
Matt Stephens, McClatchy Southeast senior sports editor: I’ve missed my last two predictions and missed both by a lot. But this one? This is a lock with Cam Newton likely starting under center against a lousy Washington team that can’t beat anyone good and features former Newton backup Taylor Heinicke at QB.
Wait, Washington beat who last week? And Tom Brady played? Um … Panthers 24, Washington 17.
Scott Fowler, sports columnist: My instincts for this team need some major work. I just can’t get them right. Losing to the woeful New York Giants by 22? Beating the fearsome Arizona Cardinals by 24? How are you supposed to figure these Panthers out anyway?
I’ve got it: Time to play “Opposite Day.” This week I will predict the opposite of what my unreliable gut says will happen.
So Heinicke plays well. Rivera triumphs in his return home. Washington 20, Panthers 17.
Ellis Williams, Panthers beat writer: The Panthers defense keeps proving it is one of the best units in football by turning over Washington twice. Cam Newton scores in his return to Bank of America Stadium. Panthers 17, Washington 10.