Newton spoils Rodgers’ return
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cam Newton proved the Carolina Panthers can win in multiple ways.
After dominating opposing teams on the ground with three straight 200-yard rushing games at home, the Panthers turned to their 28th-ranked passing game yesterday and took a big step toward reaching the postseason. Newton threw for 242 yards and four touchdowns, and the Panthers spoiled Aaron Rodgers’ return from a broken collarbone with a 31-24 win over the Green Bay Packers.
Damiere Byrd had two TD catches, and Christian McCaffrey had 136 yards from scrimmage, including a 7-yard TD reception and the Panthers won their fourth straight at home.
Greg Olsen had his most productive game since returning from a broken foot, catching nine passes for 116 yards and a TD as the Panthers (10-4) kept pace with the first-place New Orleans Saints in the NFC South.
“It’s something we pride ourselves on being a complete offense, being able to run the ball when we can and pass when we can,” McCaffrey said. “Guys showed up and made plays today.”
That included Carolina’s defense, which forced four turnovers, including a strip by cornerback James Bradberry on Packers wide receiver Geronimo Allison with 1:28 to seal the win.
Rodgers, making his first appearance since Oct. 15, threw for 290 yards with three TDs but was intercepted three times as the Packers’ playoff hopes took a potentially critical blow. At 7-7, the Packers are on the cusp of not making the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
“I’m disappointed in my performance today,” Rodgers said. “Obviously, I didn’t play well.”
Facing a growing investigation that accuses him of sexual misconduct and using racist language at work, Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, 81, announced he will sell the NFL team after the season.
“I believe it is time to turn the franchise over to new ownership,” Richardson wrote in a statement, saying he wouldn’t begin discussions until after the season.
Forbes estimates the Panthers worth at $2.3 billion. Richardson’s ownership group paid $206 million in 1993 for an expansion team.