The Carolina Panthers have moved to 9-0 for the first time in their history courtesy of a 27-10 victory over the Tennessee Titans at the Nissan Stadium this evening.
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It was a near-perfect passing display from Cam Newton in the first half as he went 12 for 13, including a career-best streak of 11 successful passes in a row to start the match.
Even so, it was the ground game that provided the opening touchdown of the contest as Jonathan Stewart raced in from 16 yards on Carolina's first possession.
The Titans responded when Dexter McCluster tiptoed his way down the line before diving over in the corner for just the second first-quarter touchdown against the Panthers all season, both of which have come in the last two weeks.
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Newton's peerless passing performance continued as he led an 80-yard drive downfield before firing a one-yard pass into the endzone to restore his side's advantage, Ed Dickson the man on the end of it for his first touchdown of the season.
A Ryan Succop field goal reduced the deficit to four points at the break, while Tennessee eventually found a way to unsettle Newton, sacking him four times in the space of 10 offensive plays, including one spell of three in a row.
Marcus Mariota had struggles of his own, however, and threw an interception in the third quarter when his pass intended for Dorial Green-Beckham was picked off by Kurt Coleman.
The Panthers were unable to take full advantage and had to punt, but Graham Gano kept things ticking over with field goals on both of their next two possessions to extend their lead to 10.
Ron Rivera's side wrapped up the victory late on when Newton ran in for a score of his own from two yards, condemning interim Titans boss Mike Mularkey to his first defeat in charge.
Barney Corkhill
