Stewart runs for 3 TDs; Panthers beat Vikings

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cam Newton delivered the body blow and Jonathan Stewart provided the knockout punch for Carolina.

Newton’s 62-yard run set up Stewart’s oneyard touchdown leap — his third TD run of the day — with 1:47 remaining to lift the Panthers to a 31-24 victory Sunday, snapping the Minnesota Vikings’ eight-game National Football League win streak.

Stewart accounted for 103 of Carolina’s 216 yards rushing — including a 60-yard touchdown burst in the first quarter — against the league’s second-ranked defence, as the Panthers prevented the Vikings (10-3) from clinching the NFC North division title.

But it was Newton’s run that turned out to be the play of the game.

After Carolina squandered an 11-point fourth-quarter lead, Newton rolled out to his left, saw an opening and the six-foot-five, 245pound quarterback was off to the races before being pulled down from behind at the Vikings eight-yard line.

Newton joked after the game that he got tackled on purpose.

“It was very strategic, when I think back,” the 2015 league MVP said with a smile. “Because if I would have scored, they would have had all of their timeouts left. So I felt like, hey, let me flip this car back into third gear.”

The Vikings did use all of their timeouts, but the Panthers still scored. The Vikings turned the ball over on downs on their final possession.

“There’s only one guy in the league that is doing that,” tight end Greg Olsen said of Newton’s scramble. “We had everything against us and we had struggled out last three possessions. And for him to pop something that like, that was huge.”

Said Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph: “He is big, strong, and can throw the ball. He is a first-round draft pick, a Heisman Trophy winner and a great player. He makes plays.”

Newton threw for 137 yards and a touchdown and ran for 75 yards as the Panthers (9-4) recorded their third 200-yard rushing game of the season to move into a tie with the New Orleans Saints atop the NFC South.

Carolina’s defence did its job, too. They sacked Case Keenum six times, forced three turnovers and came up with a crucial stop late to force a field goal.

DAVID T. FOSTER III, CHARLOTTE OBSERVER Jonathan Stewart races into the end zone for one of his three touchdowns in a 31-24 win over the Eagles in Philadelphia. The Panthers runner had 103 of Carolina’s 216 yards rushing.

PHELAN M. EBENHACK, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson looks for room to run against Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye in Jacksonville. The Jaguars won the game, 30-24.

ANDREW SAVULICH, TNS New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning directs players at the line against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, where the visitors from Texas won, 30-10.

MARK J. TERRILL, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Rams running back Todd Gurley comes up short on a dive for a touchdown in Los Angeles against Philadelphia. The Eagles won the contest, 43-35.