Last Sunday's 41–38 victory over the New Orleans Saints was not the best game of the 2015 National Football League (NFL) regular season for the Carolina Panthers, but they would take it as they improved to 12–0.
The Panthers, who are the only remaining unbeaten team in the NFL this season, were unable to play flawlessly, committing a number of turnovers and mistakes against the Saints.
New Orleans, on the other hand, kept the game close and even captured a 38–34 lead with over five minutes left in the fourth quarter.
But franchise quarterback Cam Newton was there to save the day for Carolina, tying a career-high as he threw five touchdown passes, which included the game winner.
Trailing 14–0 in the second quarter, Newton threw his first touchdown pass connecting with fullback Mike Tolbert for a 12-yard score to cut the deficit 14–7.
The Panthers headed to the second half trailing 16–13, with Newton only throwing one touchdown pass.
But the 26-year-old started to heat up in the third quarter and helped the Panthers establish a 27–16 lead with successful passes to wide receivers Tedd Ginn Jr. and Devin Funchess (both 13-yard passes) who scored the touchdowns.
In the fourth quarter, Newton and Ginn again struck for the Panthers as they connected for a 45-yard touchdown which gave their team a 34–31 advantage.
As mentioned, the Saints recaptured the lead 38–34, but with over a minute left in the fourth, Newton threw a 15-yard pass to wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery which was converted to the game-winning touchdown.
In a report by ESPN, Newton said, following the game, that he had expected to win but also shared how the tough matchup versus the Saints was a "wakeup call."
"We've got to find ways moving forward not to put ourselves in this position. This was a wakeup call for us. And moving forward, we know we can't just win games by us showing up," Newton added.
Newton finished the game having 28 completions for 331 yards and five touchdowns, only throwing one interception but was sacked once.
Up next for Newton and the Panthers will be a home stand taking on division rivals the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday.
