Truth is, it barely had a pulse for most of the game.
A hefty part of the credit has to go to a Redskins defense that looks vastly improved after the off-season additions of end Bruce Smith, cornerback Deion Sanders, safety Mark Carrier, rookie linebacker LaVar Arrington and defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes. But the Panthers short-circuited plenty. The offensive line gave up six sacks and committed six false-start penalties. About the only positives were running back Tshimanga Biakabutuka's 88 yards rushing on 15 carries and receiver Donald Hayes' four catches for 71 yards. Coach George Seifert attributed the performance to the fact that the Carolina offense played together so infrequently during the exhibition season, but said he thinks it still has plenty of promise.