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

Carolina Panthers castoffs vs. Their former team

This may just be a prime example of a revenge game for the Washington Football Team.

Both active quarterbacks, two receivers, a linebacker, cornerback, kicker, and multiple coaches are all former members of the Carolina Panthers. What could feel better than leading a team full of castoffs to victory over the organization that let them go?

Quarterback Taylor Heinicke was let go after performing well in relief of an injured Cam Newton, Ron Rivera was the best coach in Panthers history, and kicker Joey Slye has been cut multiple times this season after Carolina went in a different direction before competitive action began.

The motivation that comes with being told that you aren’t good enough and that this guy over here now has your job has led to many great careers and performances over the years. Including the success of a player like the greatest basketball player to ever live, Michael Jordan.

We also see similar motivation every season with the unpredictability that division games are. Needless to say, there are still some open wounds where these players and coaches are concerned and the motivation will be at an all-time high for people like Rivera or Heinicke.

That can also lead to a player wanting to prove too much and trying to force things a bit. That is something the Panthers can take advantage of. A forced ball or risky call can completely change a game so Washington has the tall task of keeping themselves in check.

There is going to be plenty of fire come Sunday and the emotions will be running wild. This is going to be a passionate game for a lot of people and that passion just may boil over.