The Carolina Panthers returned home, initially looked dominant and then had to hang on despite winning by 19 points on Sunday. After throwing an interception on his first pass attempt, quarterback Cam Newton settled in and dominated the remainder of the game through the air. Completing 24-of-40 passes, for 353 yards and four touchdowns, the reigning league MVP set two new franchise records with his performance. Now the all-time leader in both passing touchdowns (122) and 300-plus yard games (12), Newton eclipsed the previously held records of Jake Delhomme.
Carolina’s passing attack was benefited by the excellent play of Fozzy Whittaker, who replaced an injured Jonathan Stewart early in the contest.