Redskins at Panthers
THE STORY: The Carolina Panthers still have their share of problems, but a quarterback controversy isn't one of them. Meanwhile, the Washington Redskins hope a change at quarterback will cure their offensive woes and help hold off the Panthers and top draft pick Cam Newton when the teams meet Sunday in Charlotte, N.C. The Redskins will turn to John Beck to replace the struggling Rex Grossman, who threw four interceptions in last week's 20-13 loss to Philadelphia and has accounted for 11 turnovers this season. The Redskins won the teams' first six meetings, but the Panthers have prevailed in two of the past three. Carolina won the most recent contest, rallying in the fourth quarter for a 20-17 home win in 2009.
TV: FOX, 1 p.m. ET. LINE: Panthers -1, O/U 43
ABOUT THE REDSKINS (3-2): Washington is only a half-game behind the New York Giants for the NFC East lead, but coach Mike Shanahan was quick to pull the trigger on a change under center. He will give Beck his first start since 2007, when he went 0-4 as a starter for Miami as a rookie. The Redskins' running back committee should be close to full strength, with Tim Hightower listed as probable and expected to split carries with Ryan Torain and rookie Roy Helu, but the offensive line is banged up. LG Kory Lichtensteiger is out for the season with torn knee ligaments and LT Trent Williams is questionable with a sprained right ankle.
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (1-5): With Newton at the helm, Carolina's offense has turned into one of the best in the league, ranking fourth in the NFC in total yards (418.2 per game) and passing yards (297.3 yards per game). Newton has quickly developed a connection with veteran WR Steve Smith, who leads the NFC with 675 receiving yards after missing most of last season because of injury. Newton has thrown nine interceptions, though, and the Panthers have been unable to come up with defensive stops late in games. They have blown fourth-quarter leads in three of their losses.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Beck will become the 21st quarterback to start a game for the Redskins in the past 19 seasons and the third different starter in 22 games under Shanahan.
2. Newton is the only player in NFL history with at least six passing touchdowns and at least six rushing touchdowns in his first six games. His six rushing scores are tied for the second most in the NFL.
3. Redskins WR Santana Moss needs 158 receiving yards to reach 9,000 for his career and become the 47th NFL player to reach that mark.