10 quick thoughts from Week 11 as Washington spoils Cam Newton’s return to Carolina

The Washington Football Team engaged in an absolute dogfight on Sunday.

Cam Newton’s first start in his second stint with the Panthers. Ron Rivera’s return to Carolina after he was fired two years ago. The reunion between Newton and Rivera, who spent nine years together in Charlotte.

The matchup had every storyline imaginable, was hyped up all week and exceeded expectations. That doesn’t happen very often.

When the dust settled, Washington escaped with a 27-21 victory after the Panthers had the ball with a chance to tie or take the lead late in the fourth quarter.

It wasn’t pretty down the stretch — Rivera made a few head-scratching decisions and Antonio Gibson inexplicably got tackled out of bounds to bide Carolina an extra 40 seconds — but a win is a win, right?

Yup, and that’s two in a row for Washington. That’s what we call a winning streak, baby. Forgot what those felt like around here.

There was a lot to digest in this one, so let’s do what we do every week and rattle through some quick takeaways from Sunday’s win.

Washington Football Team: 10 takeaways from Week 11

First drive woes on D return: The last thing Washington needed was to let Newton establish an early rhythm. A quick three and out to take the crowd out of the game would’ve been clutch. Alas, Carolina needed nine plays to travel 75 yards before Newton connected with DJ Moore for the opening score.

Opponents have now scored on seven of their opening possessions against Washington; six touchdowns, one field goal.

More 5-1-5 formation, please: With Chase Young and Montez Sweat out of the lineup, Washington rolled with the rare 5-1-5 formation. Credit to Jack Del Rio for adjusting on the fly, but we’d love to see this used more with Washington’s starters.

It could be a lethal formation with Young, Sweat, Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and Matt Ioannidis. Something to think about for the future!

Antonio Gibson, unfortunately, is a problem: Just when it looked like Washington’s offense was headed for points, Gibson coughed up the football.

Sound familiar?

The second-year RB made it too easy for Carolina, as replay showed he didn’t have a firm grasp on the pigskin. We know he doesn’t have a ton of experience at the position, but if he doesn’t nip this issue in the bud, Washington could be in the market for another running back before long.

That’s five fumbles for Gibson in 2021. Three of those have resulted in turnovers, each of which have put Washington in adverse situations.

• Week 1 vs LAC: Fumbled at Washington’s 4-yard line
• Week 6 vs KC: Fumbled at Washington’s 34
• Week 11 vs CAR: Fumbled at Carolina’s 13

Gibson didn’t see the field for the rest of the first half.