Game Recap – Panthers at Washington

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Final Score: Panthers 20, WFT 13

December 27, 2020

By Noonefromtampa

Game Summary

First Quarter

The Washington Football Team started on offense, with Dwayne Haskins at quarterback and Antonio Gibson at running back but went 3 & out with one run and two passes for two net yards. The Panthers were able to drive to the WFT 34 yard line but turned the ball over on downs thanks to a 4th down sack by Daron Payne after electing not to try a 52 yard field goal. Washington responded with 4 straight runs, gaining 27 yards through Gibson and Peyton Barber. Then came the bizarre, horribly officiated call of a fumble by Haskins while he was throwing the ball forward. The WFT defense held the Panthers to a zero yards gained 3 and out series, forcing the punt. Washington and the Panthers then traded short 5 play drives. On the next Panthers punt, Steven Sims muffed the punt and Brandon Zylstra of the Panthers recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown, giving the Panthers a 6-0 lead. Joey Slye missed the extra point.

Score: Panthers 6, WFT 0

Second Quarter

Washington answered with a 3 and out series after failing to pick up a first down on a 3rd and one.  After the punt, the Panthers went 74 yards in 10 plays with Mike Davis scoring on a 1 yard touchdown run. This time the extra point was good. The key play on the drive was 45 yard run by Curtis Samuel. On the next series, WFT was able to pick up 19 yards and a first down before Haskins threw an interception to Tahir Whitehead. Shortly after the turnover, Samuel caught a 44 yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater. Robbie Anderson then caught an 11 yard touchdown pass on a crossing route for a Panther 20-0 lead. Washington then had their best drive of the game so far driving 45 yards in 9 plays leading to a Dustin Hopkins 48 yard field goal. WFT had a chance to have a first down deep in Carolina territory but Cam Sims was unable to catch a low ball thrown to him at the Panthers 12 yard line. Chase Young forced an errant throw by hitting Bridgewater’s arm and it was intercepted by Kamren Curl who return it 12 yards. Haskins threw another interception two plays later on a poor throw after staring down his receiver. Carolina then ran the clock out to end the half.

Score: Panthers 20, WFT 3

Third Quarter

The Panthers opened the second half with a long, time consuming drive covering 45 yards in 13 plays featuring a good mix of runs and passes. With the Washington defense back on their heels at their own 26 yard line, Young again strip-sacked Bridgewater recovering the fumble. WFT was able to drive down the field 66 yards in 7 plays before missing on a 3rd and short pass to J.D. McKissic. Hopkins kicked a 26 yard field goal. On the next Panthers series, a quick whistle prevented a fumble by Davis which would have been recovered by Washington. A Montez Seat sack on third down forced the Panthers to punt.

Score: Panthers 20, WFT 6

Fourth Quarter

After the punt Washington was able to mount a drive behind the 28 yard catch and run by Robert Foster. The 9 play, 40 yard drive ended on a 4th down sack of Haskins by Zach Kerr. The WFT defense was able to force a 3 and out on the Panthers, After the punt, Taylor Heinicke replaced Haskins. Heinicke was able to move the offense 65 yards in 15 plays scoring an apparent touchdown on a pass to Logan Thomas that was called back thans to an offensive holding penalty on Cornelius Lucas. Washington was unable to convert on 4th and long and turned it over on downs. The Panthers had another 3 and out series. Washington was able to drive 91 yards in 8 plays, scoring a 29 yard touchdown pass to McKissic. However, that score came around the two-minute warning, leaving little time for another scoring drive. Washington then tried an unsuccessful onside kick which failed and Carolina was able to run out the clock.

Score: Panthers 20, WFT 13

The Numbers

Points off turnovers: Panthers 13, WFT 3

Turnovers: Panthers 2, WFT

Sacks: Panthers 3, WFT 4

Time of Possession: Panthers 35:36, WFT 24:24

Passer Ratings: Haskins 36.9, Heinicke 102.3

Key Injuries

Trent Scott (shoulder) – did not return

Heroes and Goats

Antonio Gibson, 10 carries for 61 yards – Hero

J.D. McKissic, 8 catches for 77 yards receiving, 1 TD – Hero

Cam Sims – several drops of catchable balls – Goat

Dwayne Haskins, why did they not replace him at halftime? – Goat