Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs for a long gain. (Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Cam Newton threw for 253 yards and ran for a career-high 71 yards as the Carolina Panthers defeated New Orleans 35-27 on Sunday to hand the Saints their first 0-2 start since 2007.
One week after tying a franchise low with 10 yards rushing in a 16-10 loss to Tampa Bay, the Panthers rediscovered their running game against a porous Saints defense. The Panthers ran for 219 yards and Newton, DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert all scored on short touchdown runs. Steve Smith overcame a sore knee to finish with 104 yards receiving - the 39th 100-yard receiving game of his career - and Jonathan Stewart hauled in a 17-yard touchdown reception for the Panthers (1-1).
Drew Brees had won his previous five starts against Carolina. He threw for 325 yards but was intercepted twice, including once by Charles Godfrey, who returned it 9 yards for a touchdown.