When they last met: Commander and Panthers

“When They Last Met” is an ongoing series throughout the NFL season commemorating the previous game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

Washington 27, Carolina 21 – Week 11, November 21, 2021

Upon Cam Newton’s return to Carolina, Ron Rivera’s team, led by Taylor Heinicke, ruined Newton’s celebration. Washington came to Charlotte and defeated the Panthers 27-21.

Heinicke responded twice with a touchdown to Washington to lead scoring drives and throw touchdown passes. After a 0:7 deficit, Heinicke found Cam Sims from six meters and tied the score at 13:29 in the second quarter.

Trailing 14-7, Heinicke tried to score before halftime. With just nine seconds left, Heinicke found Terry McLaurin for a 12-yard touchdown to tie the game at halftime.

Washington drove and scored with 9:21 left in the third quarter and took its first lead at 21-14 when Heinicke passed to DeAndre Carter from four yards out.

Heinicke had his best career day as an NFL quarterback, completing 16 of 22 passes for 206 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He posted a 141.3 passing percentage in the win, the team’s second straight win after defeating the Tampa Bay Bucs at FedEx Field the week before.

McLaurin led Washington with 103 receiving yards, while Antonio Gibson provided 95 rushing yards.

Newton completed 21 of 27 attempts for 189 yards and two touchdowns for a passer rating of 120.5. Christian McCaffrey led the Panthers with 59 rushing yards and 60 receiving yards.

Washington leads the all-time series, having won 10 of the 17 games played since the series began in 1995.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: The Last Time They Met: Commanders and Panthers