Newton, Panthers hammer Dolphins 45-21

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 on Monday night, throwing for 254 yards and four touchdowns and running for 95 more as the Panthers piled up a franchiserecord 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 games during his career.

“There is something about this stage with him,” Rivera said. “He played a tremendous game.”

Rookie Christian Mccaffrey scored touchdowns rushing and receiving, and Devin Funchess caught five passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns as the Panthers (7-3) remained a half-game behind the NFC Southleading Saints heading into their bye week.

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.

AP PHOTO BY BOB LEVERONE Miami Dolphins' Kenyan Drake (32) runs for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday.