5 games that will define the Carolina Panthers 2021 season
By Luke Tucker
Carolina Panthers vs. Washington Football Team (Week 11)
The Carolina Panthers will suit up to face one familiar face in Week 9 when the New England Patriots come to town. But only two weeks later another one will make his return when Ron Rivera leads the Washington Football Team to his old stomping grounds.
In his nine years in Charlotte, Rivera twice won coach-of-the-year honors and won more games than any other coach in Panthers history.
After being relieved of his duties following a loss to Washington in December 2019, Rivera went on to be hired by the very team that sealed his fate with the Panthers.
Now in his second year with Washington, Rivera will be seeking his second-straight division title in 2021. Like the Panthers, he’ll also be looking to continue building towards becoming legitimate contenders.
The Washington team that Rivera took over was arguably one of the most dysfunctional organizations in pro sports when he accepted the job a year-and-a-half ago. After just one season he was able to put the team in the playoffs and usher in what seemed to be a major culture change.
Matt Rhule was not able to reach the postseason in his first season in Carolina, but his attitude, presence, and football philosophy brought the Panthers a much-needed breath of fresh air.
A lot could change by the time Week 11 rolls around, but on paper, the two teams seem to be in very similar positions. Both have gifted groups of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball along with young but talented defenses.
Between the two teams, the game will feature two of the most underrated receivers in the league in D.J. Moore and Terry McLaurin, as well as the winner and runner-up for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award last season.
It should be interesting to see how Sam Darnold is performing by the time this matchup takes place in late November, with his play likely being a huge factor in how far this Panthers team can go in 2021.
If nothing else, the contest against Washington should without question be a measuring-stick game for both squads. Both franchises appear to be on the come-up and if they can continue to develop the young talent on their respective rosters, could run their divisions and the NFC for years to come.