“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.
Washington 27, Carolina 21 – Week 11, Nov. 21, 2021
In Cam Newton’s return to Carolina, Ron Rivera’s team, led by Taylor Heinicke, ruined Newton’s festive day. Washington came into Charlotte and defeated the Panthers 27-21.
Heinicke twice responded with Washington down by a touchdown to lead scoring drives and toss touchdown passes. Trailing 7-0, Heinicke connected with Cam Sims from six yards, tying the score with 13:29 in the second quarter.
Trailing 14-7 and driving, attempting to score before the half, Heinicke found Terry McLaurin with only nine seconds remaining for a 12-yard touchdown tying the game at halftime.
Washington drove and scored with 9:21 remaining in the third quarter, taking their first lead of the game at 21-14 when Heinicke passed to DeAndre Carter from four yards out.
Heinicke had his finest career day as an NFL quarterback, completing 16 of 22 passes for 206 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He recorded a 141.3 passer rating in the victory, the team’s second consecutive victory after upsetting the Tampa Bay Bucs the previous week at FedEx Field.
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 120.5 passer rating. 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.