Panthers vs. Redskins: Live Game Grades, Analysis for Washington

Some late drama in the game made for good entertainment, but it was far from enough for the Redskins, as they dropped a home game to the Panthers, 21-13. 

The Redskins will head into the bye week with a 3-6 record and a very tough upcoming schedule. 

Be sure to refresh for Redskins game grades, player analysis, and a final report card from Sunday's game. 

You can also follow along on Twitter, @BetBigDC

Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin III -- B-

Robert Griffin III wasn't nearly as effective as anticipated against the Panthers defense on Sunday. Although he looked comfortable in the pocket and showed decent footwork, Griffin was rather inaccurate and there were a few times where he held on the ball too long and was forced to take sacks. 

Griffin's inaccuracy seemed to become more apparent following halftime, but some of his passes early in the game didn't look tight. In his defense, however, there were a few balls that should've been caught. Although they may not have been perfect passes, receivers need to make catches on balls that hit them in the hands.  

Griffin finished the game 23-of-39 for 215 yards and no scores. He also added 53 rushing yards on 11 carries, but nothing much more than scrambles. 

Running Backs

Alfred Morris -- A

Although we would have liked more than 13 carries for the rookie, Alfred Morris ended the day with 76 yards on the ground and he held true to his reputation as a bruiser. His explosiveness on the cutback has to be one of the most surprising pieces of the Redskins season so far. 

Evan Royster -- B-

Due to Morris being dinged up for a few plays, Evan Royster got a few extra plays today and he did what he could -- nothing flashy, nothing horrible. However, with Royster considered the better back in pass-pro, he didn't look great today. 

Royster did get the one-yard touchdown late in the game that brought the Redskins within eight. But it was entirely too late. 

Receivers / Tight Ends

Logan Paulsen -- A

Logan Paulsen led the Redskins with 59 yards receiving on five catches, including a very nice 19-yard reception. 

Paulsen continues to perform in place of the injured Fred Davis. He received another eight targets today, while continuing to form a good relationship with Robert Griffin III. 

Paulsen also did a good job of blocking today, helping to seal the edge for some of Alfred Morris' bigger gains. 

Josh Morgan -- B+

Leading the team with six catches, Josh Morgan racked 46 yards on 12 total targets. 

There were a few plays where Morgan should have probably hauled in the pass, but he still remains the Redskins top wide receiver while Pierre Garcon continues to nurse his foot. Griffin apparently trusts Morgan and he's a good matchup in the middle of the field. 

Niles Paul -- B+

Like we saw last week, Niles Paul was able to find space on the left side of the field and Robert Griffin III found him for a 22-yard pass -- Paul's only catch of the game. 

Paul, like his tight end partner, was effective in the run game today from what I could see. He has struggled over the first few weeks of the season when it comes to blocking, but appears to be turning it around. 

Leonard Hankerson -- B

Although Leonard Hankerson and his 49 yards on three catches is a decent stat line, every pass to him is a roller coaster. You never know if the sizable target is going to get up and snatch the ball, or if he's going to let it get into his chest. 

Offensive Line

Tyler Polumbus – D

There were a couple weeks there where Tyler Polumbus was playing average football at right tackle. Today, Polumbus returned to his normal form and he couldn’t block a pee-wee pass-rusher.

Right tackle will remain a huge need for the Redskins over the offseason.

Chris Chester – C

There’s no doubting Chris Chester’s improvement this season, but you wouldn’t know it from watching this game. Chester didn’t sustain his blocks in pass protection like we’ve seen in previous weeks.

Will Montgomery – B-

A bad holding penalty in the redzone late in the fourth quarter that negated a touchdown was Will Mongomery’s worst play of the game. Throughout the first three quarters, Monty continued to get up field in the run game and drop well in pass-pro.

Kory Lichtensteiger – C

Usually a cog on the line, Kory Lichtensteiger struggled in pass protection today. Although decent in the run game, ‘Steiger couldn’t handle the straight drops and the Panthers linemen easily shedded his blocks.

Trent Williams – B

Despite being blown up on a few plays, Trent Williams was still the Redskins best offensive lineman today. And even beyond his blocking, Williams showed attitude and tenacity and stayed vocal on the field.

The Redskins allowed four sacks on the day, but a couple were by way of the quarterback holding onto the ball too long. 

Defensive Line

Stephen Bowen -- B

As one of the only guys to get to Cam Newton, Stephen Bowen deserves credit for another good game at defensive end. Bowen contains the outside and he at least got some hands on the Panthers quarterback today. 

Barry Cofield -- B

Like Bowen, Barry Cofield was able to hurry Cam Newton today, but unfortunately without a sack all game. Cofield is a load on the line as a guy that presses the pocket and he's very effective at clogging holes. 

Remember, Cofield is facing double-teams and very rarely gets the benefit of a center rush from the linebackers. 

Jarvis Jenkins -- C

People will continue to bash Jarvis Jenkins following high expectations set by Mike Shanahan last season. To me, Jenkins is a decent lineman that gets good push off the line and can contribute as a run-stopper. But he doesn't have many moves to shed blocks and he seems to rely on crashing down. 

Linebackers

Perry Riley -- B

Perry Riley had some questionable play in coverage today, including a pre-snap argument with London Fletcher. But when it comes to tackling and plugging gaps in the run game, Riley was on point. 

Riley finished the game with four tackles. 

Ryan Kerrigan -- C

Not nearly as effective this season as he was as a rookie, Ryan Kerrigan turned in another mediocre performance today. He couldn't shake the Panthers offensive line, got minimal pressure on Cam Newton, and finished with no tackles. 

London Fletcher -- B-

Although his six tackles were great, London Fletcher still struggled in pass coverage and his decreasing speed continues to be exposed. 

I'm not like the crazies who yell for Fletcher's retirement, but his play this season is nowhere near what we saw last year. 

Rob Jackson -- B

Rob Jackson was quiet today with just two tackles -- one of which was a huge stop on a big third down after getting around the Panthers line and taking down the running back. 

Secondary

DeAngelo Hall -- B

Without game tape, truly analyzing the secondary is tough. But from what I could see, DeAngelo Hall played a pretty decent game in coverage today -- including a beautifully played touchdown attempt down the right sideline. 

Josh Wilson -- C-

Another game in which Josh Wilson struggles to maintain his label as the Redskins best cover corner. He doesn't seem to have the instincts to blanket an opposing receiver's second move and he's drawing more pass interference calls this season. 

Steve Smith's 19-yard touchdown was a result of poor technique by Wilson. You have to get your head turned around on a play like that.

Reed Doughty -- C

Leading the team with seven tackles isn't enough to call Reed Doughty reliable. He's still a hit-or-miss safety in a very bad secondary. 

Special Teams

Kai Forbath -- A

Kai Forbath stayed perfect on the year today with two made field goals, including a perfect 47-yarder right down the middle. 

Brandon Banks -- D

Despite a decent 25-yard kick return, Brandon Banks trumped all of that with a hideous punt return in which he let the ball bounce over his and then decided to field it -- ultimately losing the Redskins about 15 yards of field position. 

Coaching

Mike Shanahan -- D

Can't really put my finger on it, but I'm starting to question Mike Shanahan's viciousness. He doesn't appear to be the guy looking to attack and keep the pedal down. Whether it be plays to close the first half, time management, or overall team flow, the Redskins are lacking and it's noticeable. 

Kyle Shanahan -- D

I didn't mind a majority of Kyle Shanahan's calls today, but giving the ball to Brandon Banks on a key third down was beyond ridiculous and minimal shots down field were frustrating. 

I'm also looking for the hair I ripped out when he called a quarterback stretch play on fourth-and-goal. What the hell is that about?

Jim Haslett -- C

The defense was bad. We all know that. But something has to be said for a few of the blitzes called by Jim Haslett today. 

When your defense is as bad as the Redskins, you have to essentially pick how you want to be beat. Personally, I'd rather see us take shots at the opposing quarterback.