The Carolina Panthers really came on strong last year, winning five of their last seven games. Quietly, they became a really good team even though they fell short of the playoffs.

	Animated playbook
	Carolina will spend much of the day trying to put pressure on Washington quarterback Brad Johnson. How will they do it? ESPN.com and Sportvision break it down.

Steve Beuerlein had a terrific season, the best of his 10-year career. Carolina runs the pure West Coast offense, with a lot of slants, picks and quick releases. And Beuerlein understands the Carolina system, running it marvelously last season. He is going to miss receiver Patrick Jeffers, who is out for the season with an ACL tear. But the Panthers still have quality at receiver.

Carolina added some experience and strength to its defensive line in the offseason. Everybody knows about the additions of Reggie White and Eric Swann, but Chuck Smith, who comes over from Atlanta, is a quality football player. He played in the Super Bowl two years ago and is the real deal. While White is in the twilight of his career and Swann has been bothered by injuries, Smith is in his prime. All three will work well with Sean Gilbert inside.

	Steve Beuerlein had a career year in 1999.

No one can guess how much of an impact Swann and White will have. Based on the preseason, it's tough to make that kind of evaluation. But they should each play 20-25 snaps against the Redskins. That will give some idea about their physical condition and how they can help the Panthers. Until then they are a question mark.

I believe the Panthers are playoff contenders. I spent some time with Dick Vermeil, who talked about how tough the Panthers were in the second half of the season. With their offensive weapons they are tough to defend. From what I've seen, they have enough talent, depth and quality on the roster to challenge for a playoff spot. And George Seifert is one of the most respected coaches in the business.

Here are the Panthers' keys for Sunday's game against Washington:

1. Offensive balance
With receivers Muhsin Muhammad and Donald Hayes, they have both a speed and a possession receiver outside for Beuerlein, who can also rely on Wesley Walls, one of the league's best receiving tight ends. In order to achieve balance, though, they need production from the running game, getting both Tim Biakabutuka and William Floyd involved.

2. Control the front four
The Panthers offensive line needs to beat the Redskins defensive front because the Redskins linebackers are still the weakness of the defense. Derek Smith, Shawn Barber and Greg Jones haven't jumped out at me as big playmakers. They are run-around guys instead of being physical players. If Carolina can control the defensive front four, which is a formidable task, I think the Redskins' linebackers can be exploited. They are not great tacklers. The Panthers can possibly get some long runs against Washington.

3. Stuff Davis
The real foundation of the Redskins' offense is the power running game. The Redskins still run the old counter trey. They have a huge, athletic offensive line that works well together. If the Panthers can stop Stephen Davis, that will force the Redskins into unknown passing situations, like second-and-long or third-and-long. If they can run the ball well, the Panthers safeties will start to get nosey, moving closer to the line of scrimmage. That opens up the deep middle of the field, leading to the next key.

4. Be alert for the play-action
The Redskins' biggest plays come out of their play-action passing game. They don't come out with a lot of three- and four-receiver sets or do a lot of fancy things like the Vikings and the Rams. They play their base personnel, and they will try to get the ball down the field with the play-action passing game. Stopping the run comes first, but then the Panthers have to be alert for the play-action.

5. Big plays, please
The NFL has evolved into an offensive game. With a player like Muhammad, the Panthers need to take their shots deep. Even if Deion Sanders, Champ Bailey or Darrell Green are on the field, the Panthers can't give in and think they can't get the ball down the field. It is very difficult to drive the ball 80 yards in 12 plays against good defenses, so Seifert wants some of those big plays out of Beuerlein and Muhammad.