Redskins vs. Panthers: Score and Twitter Reaction from 2015 Regular Season

The Carolina Panthers' undefeated season rolled on in Week 11 in a 44-16 romp over the Washington Redskins on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton threw for four touchdowns in the first half as his side overwhelmed the outmatched visitors. Newton wound up with a career-high five TD tosses in improving his team to 10-0, while running back Jonathan Stewart had a 12-yard scoring reception in addition to 102 yards rushing.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport praised how Newton didn't let exterior distractions—including criticism for his celebratory antics—detract from his pinpoint focus on the task at hand:

Gil Brandt of NFL.com outlined the historical significance of the Panthers' perfect record to date:

But there was no indication in the early going of Sunday's contest that the outcome would wind up being lopsided. After Carolina cashed in on a Kirk Cousins interception to go up, 7-0, the Redskins signal-caller responded with a 56-yard scoring strike to DeSean Jackson to knot the score at seven.

Although Newton answered by orchestrating a 13-play, 78-yard drive to paydirt capped by a three-yard TD to Mike Tolbert, Andre Roberts took the ensuing kickoff 99 yards to the house.

The most controversial play thereafter came later in the second quarter, when Panthers tight end Greg Olsen hauled in a quick pass and had the ball knocked out by Chris Culliver, who took the ball all the way to the end zone for an apparent Washington lead.

Only, it wasn't to be. The official called an unnecessary-roughness penalty on Culliver. NFL broadcaster Will Reeve captured footage of the play, hinting at how dubious the call was:

"

Pick 6 called back on a supposed illegal hit on Olsen...you call it...#CARvsWSH https://t.co/zL9n2A268O

— Will Reeve (@WillReeveJr) November 22, 2015"

Former Washington star Chris Cooley had a strong opinion on the helmet-to-helmet blow that resulted in Culliver being hit with a 15-yard personal foul, per ESPN 980:

Newton nearly threw an interception in the end zone shortly thereafter, but he escaped unscathed and went on to cap off the possession with a two-yard connection to Ted Ginn Jr.

The Olsen play definitely swung the momentum of the game, as Washington proceeded to collapse by fumbling the ball away on its next three possessions.

Those giveaways led to 17 Panthers points, and with Carolina's top-flight defense having that type of lead, the Redskins weren't going to mount a comeback with Cousins leading a one-dimensional unit in obvious passing situations. Washington was limited to only 14 yards rushing on 12 attempts.

Rob Carlin of Comcast SportsNet hinted at the Redskins' inability to string positive results together, as they ultimately came away with a dud after a decisive 47-14 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 10:   

Kelli Bartik of WCCB Charlotte noted how the Panthers pulled most of their primary defenders with an eye toward their next opponent—and even that didn't bring about better results for Washington's offense:

On tap for the Panthers in Week 12 is a quick turnaround for a Thanksgiving Day road game against the Dallas Cowboys. America's Team has Tony Romo back under center and will be fighting to keep its season alive, which is still a feasible feat in a weak NFC East division despite the Cowboys' 3-7 record.

Carolina has to feel good about the continuing emergence of rookie receiver Devin Funchess, who had 64 yards on four receptions and hauled in Newton's final TD with a tremendous hands catch. If Funchess keeps up this production, it will help the Panthers' offensive balance and make them even more dangerous.

Speaking of that weak NFC East cluster, Washington has fallen to 4-6 on the year but is returning home to take on the New York Giants next Sunday. The 5-5 G-Men are the favorites to win the division at the moment, but the Redskins boast a 4-1 record at home and will be eager to bounce back from the blowout in Charlotte.

Postgame Reaction

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera did his best to downplay the undeniably impressive performance his team put forth, saying, per the team's official Twitter feed, "This was a nice win, but now it's time to focus on Dallas. There are things we have to get prepared for."

Rivera did take time to praise Funchess, comparing him to currently injured 2014 first-round pick Kelvin Benjamin, who made a big splash as a rookie, per Panthers.com's Bryan Strickland:

Star tight end Greg Olsen, who had a five-yard scoring catch in the second quarter, lauded Newton for being the epitome of a dual-threat signal-caller.

"No other quarterback is asked to do what he's doing with both the run and the pass," said Olsen, per NFL Network's Albert Breer.

Olsen also believes Carolina showed how good it can be Sunday, adding, courtesy of Panthers.com's Max Henson, "Today is an example of what we are really capable of."

Not wanting to overreact in the immediate aftermath of a one-sided loss, Washington coach Jay Gruden took the blame for his team's miscues.

"Too many penalties, too many turnovers...this is on me...we need to fix this," said Gruden, per the Redskins' official Twitter account, adding, "We're going to bounce back from this and play the Giants...our season is not over."

Indeed, Washington's hopes are still very much alive in the NFC East. Thanks to the Atlanta Falcons' loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11, though, the Panthers are all but guaranteed a successful defense of the NFC South crown.