By Michael Bennett
After a dismal performance last Monday night against the Saints, the Redskins desperately needed a bounce back game to prove something to themselves and their fans.
And they responded by beating the Panthers 23-17 and getting after Cam Newton early and often.
Josh Norman (above) ended his 19-game interception drought by picking off Newton in the second quarter, also forcing a fumble.
A week after being benched, Norman bounced back in a big way. The Redskins looked like a different team than the one that was embarrassed by New Orleans.
And in the process they took the lead in the NFC East with a 3-2 record.
The Redskins controlled the clock and put Adrian Peterson to work to the tune of 97 yards on the ground. Playing without Jamison Crowder and Chris Thompson, others had to step up — and did.
Alex Smith spread the ball around, and found Vernon Davis and Paul Richardson for touchdowns. Josh Doctson returned and caught three passes as well.
The Redskins also held the ball for 10 minutes more than Carolina and played a controlled tempo, something they haven’t been able to do.
Second half scoring woes continue, managing only two field goals, but defense came up big when most needed — proving both to themselves and fans that they can be a good unit when they want to.
The Redskins continue to bounce back after losses, but nobody knows for sure what team we will see next week against the Cowboys — when another opportunity presents itself to prove to the league that they should be in the playoff conversation, and be taken seriously.
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