Cam Newton passes for 315 yards, two TDs as Panthers beat Saints 27-22

CHARLOTTE, N.C. Before Sunday, it usually wasn’t a good sign when Cam Newton passed for more than 300 yards in a game.

The Panthers were 1-7 when Newton threw more than 300 yards in a game.

Win No. 2 came Sunday.

The Panthers topped the New Orleans Saints 27-22 on Sunday in a wet game that didn’t affect either team’s passing games despite conventional football wisdom.

Even without Drew Brees, the Saints still were efficient in the air going 29-of-36 for 277 yards with backup Luke McCown getting his first start in a game since 2011.

The Panthers led 27-16 midway through the final quarter but allowed a quick Saints score to lead by just five. When McCown looked to the end zone with 1 minute left, Josh Norman came up with it instead for the game-saving interception.

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