Panthers vs. Washington score: Taylor Heinicke, Washington defense steal spotlight in Cam Newton's return

Heinicke outdueled his former teammate on Sunday

The Sunday homecoming in Charlotte was a successful one. Not for Cam Newton, but for Taylor Heinicke, as his three passing touchdowns powered the Washington Football Team to a 27-21 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Newton's former backup completed 16 of 22 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns. He kept the offense moving all afternoon, as former Panthers head coach Ron Rivera got the last laugh in the stadium he once called home.

Newton played well in his first start for the Panthers since Sept. 12, 2019, as he completed 21 of 27 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 46 yards and a touchdown as well. Still, it wasn't enough to keep up with Heinicke and Co., although Carolina had its chances late. 

The stage was set in the fourth quarter for a storybook ending. With 1:50 left to play, Newton led his offense onto the field down six points. However, he was unable to orchestrate a game-winning drive, as he was sacked on fourth down just six plays into the possession. 

Washington's defense stood tall for the second straight week, as they held the Panthers to just 297 yards of total offense and 2 of 9 on third down. Washington has now won two straight games, and their quarterback Heinicke is heating up. Next up for Washington will be a date with Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks on "Monday Night Football," while the Panthers travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins next Sunday. 

[Nov 21, 2021 at 4:07 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Washington's defense steals the spotlight in Cam Newton's return! What a great job by the defensive line. 

[Nov 21, 2021 at 4:07 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

What a great pass breakup by William Jackson. Huge game-saving play. 

[Nov 21, 2021 at 4:03 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

In real time that Robby Anderson catch looked very close. Good job to the booth for calling down to review this. 

[Nov 21, 2021 at 4:02 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

How in the world did Gibson go out of bounds there. Just insane. 

[Nov 21, 2021 at 3:52 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

He looks short to me. What a massive call. 

[Nov 21, 2021 at 3:46 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

This would be quite the ending for Cam Newton's homecoming if he can lead a long, game-winning drive against his former head coach. 

[Nov 21, 2021 at 3:42 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

McLaurin had a step on his DB and just couldn't reel in the six! Man. I thought Heinicke threw a great ball right there. 

[Nov 21, 2021 at 3:40 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

We saw Washington use a long drive to wrap up their upset win over Tampa Bay last week. Feeling some deja vu here today.