ASHBURN — After Matt Jones fumbled for the fourth time this season, Chris Thompson let the rookie running back have his space.
During the second quarter of the Washington Redskins’ 44-16 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Jones swooped to the left edge on a two-yard gain and tried to hurdle a defender. As Jones jumped, middle linebacker Luke Keuchly tackled him and jarred the ball loose and the Panthers recovered it at the Washington 24-yard line.
Thompson could see Jones’ frustration festering with each yard the Panthers gained. Six plays later, Carolina scored a touchdown to take a 28-14 lead.