4 matchups to watch for Washington vs. Panthers in Week 11
It’s a big week for the Washington Football Team and head coach Ron Rivera. The second-year Washington coach heads home this weekend to where he spent nine years. Rivera was the head coach of the Carolina Panthers for nine seasons until he was fired late in 2019, and now he leads Washington to Charlotte for a critical NFC matchup against the Panthers.
While Rivera has downplayed the return to his former stomping grounds, this is a big game for Washington. The two teams met last December, and the Panthers defeated Washington, 20-13, in Taylor Heinicke’s debut for the WFT in relief of Dwayne Haskins.
This week’s game is vital for each team’s wild-card hopes. Both Carolina and Washington are coming off big Week 10 wins.
Here are four matchups to watch for Washington in this week’s battle against the Panthers.
Washington RB Antonio Gibson vs. Carolina's linebackers
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Washington running back Antonio Gibson had his best performance of the season in the Week 10 upset over the Buccaneers. Sure, Gibson only accounted for 64 rushing yards, but it was his performance in the second half, specifically on the final drive, that propelled Washington to the win.
Now, Gibson faces a Panthers defense ranked No. 2 in total defense. The Panthers have the No. 1 pass defense in the NFL, so if there is one area Washington could look to attack Carolina, it’s with the running game. Carolina ranks No. 12 against the run.
Washington could have right tackle Sam Cosmi back this week with Brandon Scherff, which proved to be a dominant run-blocking side earlier this season. The Panthers have speed at linebacker, especially Shaq Thompson, so Washington needs Gibson to win at the second level, which will not be easy.
Washington WR Terry McLaurin vs. Carolina CB Stephon Gilmore
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All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore has made quite the impact since landing with the Carolina Panthers last month. Gilmore has two interceptions despite a limited number of snaps through three games. He dislocated a finger last week but was not listed on the injury report, so he’ll play against Washington.
That likely means a matchup with Terry McLaurin. This should be fun. McLaurin loves testing himself against some of the best cornerbacks in the game, which Gilmore certainly is one. While there is uncertainty regarding how many snaps Gilmore will play, his matchup with McLaurin could determine how much success Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke has in the passing game.
Washington's offensive tackles vs. Brian Burns and Haason Reddick
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This is another matchup that could determine Washington’s success, or lack thereof, on offense. Carolina’s edge-rushing duo of Haason Reddick and Brian Burns is one of the best in the NFL in 2021. The duo has combined for 15.5 sacks through 10 games. This is the type of production Washington expected from Chase Young and Montez Sweat before their respective injuries.
Charles Leno is Washington’s left tackle. Cosmi could return at right tackle this week, if not, veteran Cornelius Lucas will receive another start. Lucas is better in pass protection right now, while Cosmi is better in the run game. Tampa Bay sacked Heinicke five times last week, but the quarterback was able to minimize the damage with his best performance of the season. If he’s sacked five times on Sunday, the result may not be the same this time around.
Washington's front seven vs. Carolina QB Cam Newton
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Cam Newton will likely start on Sunday for the Panthers. Newton has burned Washington’s defense with his ability to run in past meetings. Washington’s defense must prioritize keeping Newton in the pocket, making him throw the football. Suppose Washington can neutralize Newton from a running perspective. In that case, the defense stands a good chance of matching up with some of Carolina’s outstanding offensive weapons like running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver D.J. Moore.
Safety/linebacker Landon Collins will play a vital role on Sunday.
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