The Washington Football Team just won it’s second tough football game in a row. This week’s victory came on the road against a Carolina Panthers team that was up for the battle, as they welcomed Cam Newton back to their franchise. Fortunately for Washington, Taylor Heinicke was better on the day and secured a tough 27-21 victory at Bank Of America Stadium.
Heinicke threw three touchdown passes against the league’s toughest pass defense, to lead the way for Washington. He completed 16 of 22 passes for 206 yards, and ran for another 29 yards on six carries. The 28-year old made some spectacular plays. Not the least of which, was a fourth down scramble where he threw up a prayer that got answered, and kept a WFT drive alive.
Terry McLaurin grabbed five receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown. His longest was 39 yards.
DeAndre Carter had his third receiving touchdown in three games, after not having scored one at all in his first three NFL seasons.
Antonio Gibson fumbled away an early drive, but bounced back to gain the most yards he’s gained in a year. He finished with 95 yards on 19 carries.
J.D. McKissic also had 46 yards rushing, as Washington pounded out 190 total yards on the ground.
Newton Strong
For the Panthers, Newton actually performed far better than anyone should have hoped. He was playing his first home game in Charlotte as a Panther, since 2019. After signing as a free agent just prior to last weekend, going 21-for-27 is a pretty outstanding performance.
Newton had touchdown passes of 27-yards to Ed McCaffrey, and 10-yards to DJ Moore. He also ran for a 24-yard touchdown himself and then celebrated by doing a Superman flex at mid field.
His exuberance was understandable, but in hindsight, perhaps premature.
WFT Defense Stands Strong
Late in the game, Newton had a chance to steal the game, and couldn’t take advantage of it. Washington had just kicked a field goal with 1:54 remaining, to go up by six but give Carolina one last chance.
The Panthers managed just one first down, as Washington’s defense was up to the considerable task.
Eventually Newton was sacked by Daron Payne on fourth down, which sealed the Panthers fate.
That ended Newton’s day on a low, when he could have easily seen the opposite.
The reality is that both quarterbacks played well on Sunday.
Heinicke was clutch in the game for Washington though. From his touchdown pass to McLaurin to end the first half, to his circus antics to keep a drive alive on fourth down.
Homecoming Win
Heinicke ultimately came out on top, and gave his head coach a homecoming victory of sorts. Ron Rivera led the Panthers to the Super Bowl in the 2015 season, before being fired during the 2019 season.
Two consecutive wins since Washington’s Bye Week, have certainly helped Rivera’s team look more like a playoff contender again. At 4-6, the road is long, but still doable. Had they lost either of the last two games, the season would already be over.
Victory Monday
Two in a row. It’s just a great way to start your week.
Related:
Loser Papers: 2021 Edition IV – WFT Over Carolina Panthers