The return to school on Sunday in Charlotte was a success. Not for Cam Newton, but for Taylor Heinicke, as his three pass touchdowns propelled the Washington football team to a 27-21 victory over the Carolina Panthers. The former Newton replacement 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 had the final say in the stadium he once called home.

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

The stage was set in the fourth quarter for a storybook ending. With 1:50 to go, Newton led his attack on the field six points behind. However, he was unable to orchestrate a winning practice as he was sacked fourth after just six games in possession.

Washington’s defense held up for the second straight week, as they limited the Panthers to just 297 total attacking yards and 2 of 9 on the third down. Washington has now won back-to-back games and its 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 face the Dolphins next Sunday.