Cam Newton Throws Five Touchdowns, Panthers Remain Undefeated

Coming into Sunday’s game, the Carolina Panthers were looking to be the first team this season to reach the 10 win plateau. Cam Newton personally ensured they would make it there as he threw for 246 yards and five touchdowns in a 44-16 rout of the Washington Redskins.

In his fifth NFL season, Newton is proving that his arm–in addition to his legs–can be a potent weapon at the highest level. His 20 touchdown passes are just four short of his career high with six games remaining on the schedule. “I have labelled myself as a pocket passer with the ability to run,” he said after the game.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera also sees Newton as a quarterback capable of leading a team and an offense rather than a rouge scrambler. “He has a good command of what we’re doing out there,” Rivera said.

The Panthers’ defense also feasted on the Washington offense. In addition to forcing five turnovers and sacking Kirk Cousins five times, they only allowed 14 rushing yards all afternoon. “Between the fumbles and the picks, we had a couple short fields,” tight end Greg Olsen said. “You’ve got to take advantage of them. We didn’t sit on them. I know we scored a lot of touchdowns, and that’s obviously what you’re looking for.”

But, for all their success, the Panthers aren’t satisfied yet. They’re looking for a bigger goal this year and hope to continue their hot start in Dallas on Thanksgiving. “They don’t give out trophies for the regular season,” Olsen said.

Article by Joe Kozlowski