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Washington ruins Cam’s homecoming: Key numbers from second straight win

By Hirdesh Matta

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Football Team catches a pass for a first down over the defense of Donte Jackson #26 of the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Football Team catches a pass for a first down over the defense of Donte Jackson #26 of the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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1064 days. December 23, 2018. It’s been almost three years since the winning quarterback in the Washington Football Team’s second straight win last started a game for the Panthers.

Oh, you thought I was talking about Cam? I mean, it was his homecoming and all, and Taylor Heincke did call Newton ”the God of Charlotte,” when discussing how loud the crowd would be. And loud they were. Just look at Newton’s introduction.

But, it was also a homecoming for Ron Rivera, Taylor Heinicke, and a handful of other Washington players, and they made the most of it.

It didn’t look pretty early as Carolina cruised down the field on its opening drive, capped off with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Newton to DJ Moore.

With the crowd into it and a quick three and out on its first offensive drive, it looked like it was going to be a long day for Washington. But the team buckled down on defense and held on for the win against the Panthers.

Mind you, this team is missing key pieces on both sides of the ball in Logan Thomas, Curtis Samuel, Ricky Seals-Jones, Chase Young, and Montez Sweat. In spite of that, it was able to gut out a second straight win.

Can the Washington Football Team go on another playoff run a la 2020?

Some fans will question why the team is pushing for the playoffs instead of tanking for a quarterback. But after watching nine first-round quarterbacks get drafted over the last two years and only about a third of those finding success thus far, it’s evident that finding a franchise savior is no guarantee. I mean, just looking at Washington’s first-round draft history with quarterbacks should give you pause.

Seeing this team come together, overcoming injuries on both sides of the ball, and blocking out the noise these past two weeks has been inspirational.

No matter the record, Ron Rivera is making a mark on this organization. The resilience of this team is undeniable. The heart, the will to the win, and the APE mentality (attitude, preparation, effort) that Rivera strives for are ingrained in the players.

Let’s get into the Week 11 numbers.

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