The Washington Football Team surprised the NFL world last week with a shocking 29-19 win over the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Washington not only won the game but dominated the Bucs, holding them to a season-low 273 total yards.
Next up for Washington is the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers had an impressive win in their own right last week. Carolina blew out the previously 8-1 Arizona Cardinals. Sure, star quarterback Kyler Murray and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins didn’t play for the Cardinals, but the Panthers dominated Arizona’s defense.
So, which teams do we see on Sunday?
The Panthers will start Cam Newton at quarterback. It’s his first start for the Panthers since 2019, as he was played a few snaps in last week’s win — accounting for two touchdowns.
Newton has had plenty of success against Washington in the past. But this time is different, his former head coach, Ron Rivera, is now on Washington’s sideline. No one knows Newton better than Rivera. So, does that advantage help Rivera?
Washington had big performances from quarterback Taylor Heinicke and running back Antonio Gibson last week against a stout Tampa Bay defense. The Panthers are No. 2 in total defense. Nothing is going to be easy for Washington. Washington’s defense has been much better over the last month, but is now without defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat. Cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste are both questionable.
Washington will keep this game close, and it will be ugly at times. But in the end, the Panthers have too much Christian McCaffrey and wear down Washington in the fourth quarter to improve to 6-5.
Panthers 24, Washington 16