CHARLOTTE – Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has been selected as the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for September.
In Week 1 at Arizona, Newton threw for 422 yards to set the record for most passing yards in an NFL debut. In Week 2 against Green Bay, he threw for 432 yards to set the NFL record for most passing yards by a rookie and the franchise record for most passing yards in a game.
In the process, Newton became the sixth quarterback in NFL history to record back-to-back games with 400 or more passing yards. His 854 yards over the first two games shattered the NFL record for most passing yards through two career starts.
In Week 3, Newton picked up his first victory, connecting with tight end Greg Olsen for the game-winning touchdown with 4:20 in a 16-10 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
For the season, Newton has completed 70-of-117 passes for 1,012 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions. He also leads the Panthers with 98 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
This marks the third time a Panthers player has won rookie of the month honors. Defensive end Julius Peppers garnered defensive recognition in October 2002, and quarterback Matt Moore earned the offensive award in December 2007.
The Panthers will oppose Peppers, in his second season with the Chicago Bears, on Sunday.
