10 quick thoughts from Week 11 as Washington spoils Cam Newton’s return to Carolina
By Jerry Trotta
Cam Sims needs more snaps: Sims’ season has been impeded by a nagging hamstring, but he was barely seeing the field before then. Why is that?
Sims proved in last year’s playoff game that he can be relied on in a big spot (seven catches for 104 yards on 13 targets) and he came through with a clutch touchdown to tie the game up at 7-7 in the second quarter.
He clearly has chemistry with Heinicke, who’s probably gonna start the remaining games. With the WR position bereft of production outside of Terry McLaurin, Washington needs to make better use of his 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame, which came in clutch on that TD, as he established great position on the Carolina DB.
No taunting on Cam? Newton scoring a rushing TD on his second official debut as the Panthers’ starting quarterback was inevitable. Washington not being able to stop what was seemingly obvious at the time is besides the point.
It was a feel-good moment for the MVP and boy, did he embrace the moment. So much so, that he proceeded to sprint to midfield, place the ball on Carolina’s logo, and unleash his signature Superman celebration.
Cam Newton rushes for a 24 yard TD, runs to midfield, puts the ball on the logo, does his Superman celebration, and the crowd goes wild.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 21, 2021
Just like old times... pic.twitter.com/CHCRMHlpOG
And yet, there was nary a flag to be seen. In a season where so much as staring down an opposing team’s player or just flexing after a big play are being flagged for taunting, Sunday’s refereeing crew let Cam’s antics slide.
If you’re gonna call it, at least be consistent.
Give Terry McLaurin whatever he wants: We have a piece on McLaurin’s future contract coming first thing tomorrow morning, so we’ll keep this brief. Washington should just give him a blank check and oblige with whatever he writes down.
On the final play of the first quarter, McLaurin made maybe the play of the game when he adjusted his body to make an acrobatic catch along the sidelines. The reception helped moved the chains on 3rd and 9.
On Washington’s final play of the first half, McLaurin hauled in a touchdown between a host of Panthers defenders.
Wash, rinse, repeat with No. 17.