The Washington Redskins discovered the perfect formula for success on Sunday. A dynamic rushing attack featuring Derrius Guice and Adrian Peterson powered the team to a 29-21 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.
Two-Headed Monster Emerges
Derrius Guice exploded for 129 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries. The second-year running back averaged 12.9 yards per attempt against Carolina’s struggling run defense. Adrian Peterson added 99 yards and one touchdown, helping Washington accumulate 248 rushing yards.
“Guice and I talked throughout the game,” Peterson said. “We have a signal if we need each other to come in. Especially if that guy’s rolling, we’ll let him spin.”
Guice finally showcased his potential after missing most of his rookie season with an ACL injury. The former LSU star had only 74 career rushing yards before Sunday’s breakout performance.
Redskins beat Panthers On Defensive Turnaround
Washington spotted Carolina a 14-0 lead after Kyle Allen opened the game 8-of-8 passing. The Panthers scored touchdowns on their first two possessions through Curtis Samuel and D.J. Moore. However, the Redskins defense completely shut down Carolina’s offense afterward.
Washington forced eight punts and one interception on Carolina’s next nine possessions. The defense limited the Panthers to just 65 yards on those drives. Most importantly, they neutralized Christian McCaffrey, holding the NFL’s leading rusher to 102 total yards.
“They got us schematically early in the game,” said linebacker Jon Bostic. “We switched up some of our calls and played some things differently with leverage.”
Goal-Line Stand Seals Victory
Carolina mounted a late comeback attempt when Allen scrambled for a 17-yard touchdown with 1:51 remaining. The Panthers then executed a perfect onside kick, recovering near midfield to give Allen one final chance.
Allen moved Carolina to the 1-yard line with seconds remaining. However, Washington’s defense made the game’s biggest play. The Redskins stopped Carolina on four straight downs, with Chris Odum sacking Allen for a 23-yard loss and Nate Orchard recovering the fumble.
Both Odum and Orchard were signed to the active roster earlier this week. Their contributions proved decisive in Washington’s first victory in Charlotte since 1998.
Redskins beat Panthers: Peterson’s Recipe
Adrian Peterson believes the Redskins have found “the right recipe” with their two-pronged rushing attack. The veteran running back praised the partnership with Guice and expressed confidence in their shared approach.
“I want him to be successful,” Peterson said. “That’s what he needs. I’m always rooting him on. I’m in his corner, and we can do this together.”
The victory marked Washington’s second straight win and their highest-scoring game of the season. The ground game finally clicked at the perfect time.