Thomas fills a big hole

(By Charles Chandler, cchandler@charlotteobserver.com) For one Sunday, at least, the Carolina Panthers had a respectable run defense.The Washington Redskins gained only 74 yards on the ground in a 20-17 loss to Carolina at Bank of America Stadium - a mere 40.5 percent of what the Panthers averaged giving up in their first three games (182.7 yards).