4 crucial matchups the Panthers must win vs. Washington in Week 11

What are some crucial matchups to keep a close eye on when the Carolina Panthers take on the Washington Football Team in Week 11?

Raise your hand if you saw that coming.

The Carolina Panthers went into the desert and absolutely mauled the Arizona Cardinals to the tune of a 34-10 victory that was even more one-sided than that score would indicate.

Hasson Reddick led a resurgent defense that proved just how elite they can be when given enough field to work with. The team constantly pressured Colt McCoy, turning in three sacks and an interception on a terrible throw from the backup quarterback. A decision caused by that pressure.

But the most impressive stat on the day was the fact that no member of the secondary allowed 20 yards or more in coverage.

Zane Gonzalez is automatic.

Enough said there, moving on.

The real surprise of the day was just how good the offense looked with P.J. Walker leading the show. Efficiency and quick passes led to a stellar line of 22-29 for 167 yards and a questionable interception from the XFL star. Lending a bit of credence to the argument that Sam Darnold was the issue all along.

To complement that, the offensive line didn’t allow a single sack for the first time in what seems like an eternity for Panthers fans and whoever was under center.

Speaking of center, embattled guard Pat Elflein filled in quite nicely at the position he hadn’t played since his rookie season and was a big factor in solidifying the line for the team.

Things are finally beginning to look up for the Panthers and there’s one other small thing that might be a factor in changing their fortunes. A little-known player named Cam Newton is back.

Looking forward to Week 11, the Washington Football Team under former Panthers coach Ron Rivera is coming for a visit fresh off an almost equally shocking upset of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A game where Tom Brady threw two picks in the first quarter but the team lost defensive star Chase Young for the season.

Washington snapped a four-game losing streak with that win and it was just one of those games where everything seemed to fall their way. Namely the first pick coming off a punch-out and a third coming within inches of happening in the same way.

Whether that impressive win was a blip in the radar or a sign of things to come, Washington is coming into Week 11 feeling confident and like they can take on the world. This is going to be a fun game with a lot to look out for, but what matchups rise above the rest?