Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart leaps over New Orleans Saints defensive back Brian Dixon in New Orleans on Dec. 6.Derick E. Hingle
Cam Newton passed for five touchdowns, capped by a 15-yard scoring strike to Jerricho Cotchery with 1 minute 5 seconds to go, and the unbeaten Carolina Panthers clinched the NFC South with a 41-38 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Carolina, the only remaining unbeaten team in the NFL, has the ninth 12-0 start in league history.
Newton, who was 28 of 41 for 331 yards, twice had to lead the Panthers back from fourth-quarter deficits as the Saints (4-8) tried desperately to avoid a four-game losing streak. Jonathan Stewart had a five-yard scoring run on a pitch from Newton.
Drew Brees passed for 282 yards and three touchdowns. Saints linebacker Stephone Anthony returned a fumble 31 yards for a score and also became the first NFL player to return a blocked extra-point kick for two points in NFL history.