The Washington Football Team played their best offensive game of the season in the 27-21 Week 11 win over the Carolina Panthers. Of Washington’s four wins in 2021, Sunday’s 27 points were the lowest it scored in any of the team’s four victories.
So, why was it Washington’s best offensive performance? Balance. Quarterback Taylor Heinicke passed for 203 yards and three touchdowns, while Washington rushed for just under 200 yards.
For Heinicke, it was his best game of the season. His 141.3 quarterback rating and 92.5 QBR were his highest scores of the season. Pro Football Focus also gave Heinicke his top grade of the season with an 88.0.
Right tackle Cornelius Lucas was actually Washington’s highest-graded player on Sunday. Lucas finished with an 88.2 grade in relief of Sam Cosmi. Lucas was dominant as a run-blocker, earning a 91.3 run-blocking grade.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin caught five passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. PFF gave McLaurin an 87.6 grade. McLaurin added to his league-leading contested catches as he reeled in two more.
Who was Washington’s top defender?
Of course it was defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. The fifth-year standout from Alabama earned an 86.9 grade after another stellar performance. While Allen didn’t record a sack, Allen was a wrecking ball to the Carolina’s interior offensive line.
Washington hosts the Seattle Seahawks in Week 12 on Monday Night Football.