Newton lays down law in prime time

PANTHERS 45, DOLPHINS 21

The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C.» Cam Newton took it as a challenge when the Carolina Panthers’ defense vaulted to the NFL’s No. 1 ranking.

He said it was time for the Carolina offense to match that mark.

Newton did his part Monday night, throwing for 254 yards and four touchdowns and running for 95 more yards as the Panthers piled up a franchise-record 548 total 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 in Monday night games during his career.

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

Rookie tailback 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.

Jay Cutler had 213 yards passing with two touchdowns and one interception for the Dolphins, who have lost three straight.

The game turned with 41 seconds left in the first half, when Luke Kuechly intercepted Jay Cutler with Carolina leading 10-7.

Four plays later, Newton connected with Ed Dickson on a 7yard touchdown pass. That opened the floodgates as the Panthers scored touchdowns on five straight drives.

The Panthers gave McCaffrey the start at running back over Stewart, who fumbled twice last week against the Falcons. McCaffrey didn’t let them down, combining for 50 yards and two scores, including a nifty 4-yard touchdown run where he faked out two Miami defenders.

Kenyan Drake provided the big play for the Dolphins, breaking free for a 66-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.