Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart Gets Facemask Knocked Off Helmet In 26-15 Win Over Redskins

Grabbing a face-mask is something that countless NFL players have done over the years, and it usually results in a penalty if the officials notice it.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart Gets Facemask Knocked Off Helmet In 26-15 Win Over Redskins

However, rarely have we ever seen a player’s face-mask knocked completely off his helmet. That’s exactly what happened to Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart during his team’s 26-15 road victory over the Washington Redskins on Monday night. Stewart was the first to be surprised by this incident, unsurprisingly.

With the loss, the Redskins (7-6-1) are now out of the NFC’s second wild-card slot for the time being.

The Green Bay Packers (8-6) come in as the sixth seed, holding a slim tiebreak lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with just two weeks remaining in the regular season.

On Monday, the Panthers (6-8) taunted young Redskins cornerback Josh Norman, whom Carolina parted with in April after rescinding his franchise tag.

“For us, our challenge all year has been to play a complete game,” Panthers quarterback Cam Newton said in his postgame press conference. “You know, going into the fourth quarter most of the time with the lead, we had to keep our foot on the gas and stay aggressive.”

Newton completed 21 of 37 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns. Stewart finished with 132 rushing yards.

Newton absorbed a helmet-to-helmet in the second quarter that was not penalized. After taking this hit, Newton flipped the ball to Washington linebacker Trent Murphy and drew a taunting penalty.

Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins finished 32-of-47 for 315 yards, and broke the single-season franchise record for passing yards, but failed to throw a touchdown. Cousin’s team was undisciplined and even unsportsmanlike at times: star tight end Jordan Reed landed a punch on Panthers safety Kurt Coleman that disqualified him from the game.

The Redskins now need help to reach consecutive playoffs for the first time since 1992.

“Without a choice, we have to shake it off,” Washington coach Jay Gruden said following the game. “We have to move on and look forward to the game (next week) against Chicago. From the outside looking in, obviously the only chance we have to shake it off is to go to Chicago and play our best game of the year. It’s the only chance we have.”

The Panthers, who are fourth in the NFC South, will next host the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday, when the Redskins visit the Chicago Bears.

LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 19: Running back Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers carries the ball against defensive back Greg Toler #20 of the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at FedExField on December 19, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)