Quarterback Cam Newton has been named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 14 against the New Orleans Saints.
Newton matched a career best with three touchdowns passes and also ran for one touchdown, a spectacular leaping score from two yards in the Panthers' 41-10 victory. Newton completed 21-of-33 passes for 226 yards and rushed for 83 yards, marking the fourth time in his four-year career that he's had at least 200 passing yards, multiple passing touchdowns, at least 80 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in the same game. Michael Vick and Russell Wilson have done the same twice each, making them the only other players to accomplish it more than once.
Newton has won the award for the third time. Just one other offensive player in franchise history – running back Stephen Davis – has earned the award three times.
Newton's status for this week's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is uncertain following an automobile accident Tuesday.
