They shouldn't be playing like this in every game. It's like a rebellion... Maybe they're trying to get John Fox canned. :)
Or maybe they figure Steve Smith will beat someone else up, and that will inspire the team. :)
Keep in mind, Washington is a team in disarray - Clinton Portis caused a huge locker room meltdown this past week - so the Panthers are playing a team that is pretty messed up as well.
Just be glad you're not the Raiders - the Giants won the opening coin toss and elected to kick the bejeezus out of the Raiders.