Carolina piles up yardage
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cam Newton took it as a challenge when the Carolina Panthers’ defense vaulted to the league’s No. 1 ranking.
He said it was time for the offense to match that mark.
Newton did his part Monday night, throwing for 254 yards and four touchdowns and running for 95 as the Panthers piled up a franchise-record 548 yards in a 45-21 rout of the Miami Dolphins.
“It’s nice to see them have this type of breakout game,” Panthers coach Ron Rivera said.
Newton improved to 5-1 on “Monday Night Football” games during his career.
“There is something about this stage with him,” Rivera said. “He played a tremendous game.”
Rookie Christian Mc- Caffrey scored touchdowns rushing and receiving, and Devin Funchess caught five passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns as the Panthers (73) remained a half-game behind the NFC South Division-leading Saints heading into their week off.
Jonathan Stewart ran for a season-high 110 yards, and Newton had a 69-yard jaunt on a read option as the Panthers racked up 294 yards on the ground.
Jay Cutler had 213 yards passing with two touchdowns and one interception for the Dolphins (4-5), who have lost three consecutive games.