CHARLOTTE – The Panthers' next challenger comes in the form of a team looking to build on its best performance of the season.
Washington (4-5) dominated en route to a 47-14 victory over New Orleans last Sunday. Quarterback Kirk Cousins played the best game of his career, throwing for 324 yards and four touchdowns to claim NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
"They're an interesting football team that is starting to develop," head coach Ron Rivera said. "You look at the way they've played, they've scored a lot of points. Defensively, I think they are starting to develop their own personality. Very aggressive.
"Cousins has done a nice job for them. We're facing a team that's coming off a big win, and it's going to be interesting to see what we get."
All four of Washington's wins have come at home this season. They'll travel to Bank of America Stadium seeking to knock off the unbeaten Panthers, who own the longest home winning streak in the league. The last home defeat came in Week 11 of the 2014 season.
"We have to play a heck of a football game against a very good Carolina team, obviously," said Washington head coach Jay Gruden, whose team can move into a first-place tie with the NFC East leading Giants with a win. "It's important for us to try to build off the momentum and continue to play well."
Carolina has had no trouble sustaining momentum this season. The Panthers have found a winning formula with "team ball" as quarterback Cam Newton called it. The latest victory, a 27-10 triumph at Tennessee, was arguably the most complete performance thus far.
And the NFC's lone undefeated team is determined to keep improving each week.
"We expect everybody's best every week," defensive end Jared Allen said. "I think coach does a great job of keeping us focused on the process. We have to earn it week to week in this league."
Added Newton: "Focus on Washington and make sure when they come to Bank of America Stadium we find a way to get to 100 – that's 10-0."
Photos from Carolina's win over Washington.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton throws the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) is tackled by Washington Redskins inside linebacker London Fletcher (59) after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Richard Lipski)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy, left, hits Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III and is charged with a roughing the passer penalty during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) heads for a touchdown as he runs away from Washington Redskins inside linebacker Perry Riley (56) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, bottom, is hit by Washington Redskins inside linebacker Perry Riley and strong safety Reed Doughty, top, during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Richard Lipski)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith is hit by Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Wilson during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Richard Lipski)
Washington Redskins wide receiver Josh Morgan (15) pushes away Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) as Panthers outside linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Richard Lipski)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (76) pressures Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a touchdown pass as he is covered by Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Wilson (26) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) celebrates with running back Jonathan Stewart (28) and quarterback Cam Newton (1) after Smith's touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Richard Lipski)
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera reacts after a score during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Richard Lipski)
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) throws as he is hit by Carolina Panthers free safety Haruki Nakamura (43) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is stopped short of the goal by Carolina Panthers outside linebacker James Anderson (50) and defensive end Charles Johnson (95) on fourth down during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins fullback Darrel Young (36) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Richard Lipski)
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) is sacked by Carolina Panthers defensive ends Greg Hardy (76) and Charles Johnson (95) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Richard Lipski)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, right, follows center Jeff Byers (62) for a touchdown as Byers blocks against Washington Redskins inside linebacker London Fletcher (59) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. The Panthers won 21-13. (AP Photo/Richard Lipski)
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) is hit by Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Luke Kuechly (50), outside linebacker James Anderson and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. The Panthers won 21-13. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) is hit by Carolina Panthers outside linebacker James Anderson (50), outside linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. The Panthers won 21-13. (AP Photo/Richard Lipski)
