Panthers defense “didn’t do our part” in loss

“None. We’re done with that, being the young team, and all that,” Jackson said. “It’s solely on us. It’s what do we want to do with this thing. That comes back on the leaders. That comes back on the guys that have been in the fire plenty of times, who’ve been in hard times of adversity plenty of times to pull us out.

“I just want to be the best for my team and be that guy that makes plays in clutch situations. I just don’t think I was Action Jackson today. I just think I was number 26.”

Jackson was far from alone in the struggles, as the Panthers allowed Washington to control the clock for nearly 36 minutes (35:53-24:07), and to convert enough third downs (6-of-13) to keep the clock moving and the Carolina offense off the field.

When Cam Newton and Christian McCaffrey were out there, they did some good things, but the offense only had 49 snaps to do those things.

That’s largely because, like a few previous opponents, the Football Team was able to muscle up the Panthers, and run the ball effectively up the middle.

In their six losses this year, they’re averaging 163.0 yards per game allowed on the ground. But in four of those, it became glaring, a clear road map for other teams to follow. A Panthers defense built for speed and coverage and pressuring quarterbacks is also susceptible at times to big days on the ground.

The 190 yards Washington gained Sunday put it in the egregious category with Dallas (245), Minnesota (198), and New England (151).

In their five wins this season, the Panthers are allowing 56.4 rushing yards per game.