The Carolina Panthers were in danger of blowing their chance to clinch a playoff berth in Week 16. Then Cam Newton dialed up the kind of play that made him the league’s MVP in 2015 — with an assist from a little bit of luck.
Cam Newton recovered his own botched snap in end zone to clinch Panthers’ playoff spot
Just like Carolina drew it up.
Newton recovered his own fumble in the Buccaneers’ end zone to give his team a 22-19 lead over Tampa Bay with just 35 seconds to go. The play was the result of a botched snap on what appeared to be a QB draw up the middle. While it didn’t unfold like coach Ron Rivera had drawn it up, the outcome was the same.
He capped the touchdown with a birthday cake celebration in honor of his son, who turned two on Sunday.
One play later, Jameis Winston was strip-sacked by Kawann Short at his own 25-yard line, effectively crushing his team’s comeback hopes.
What this means for the Panthers: Carolina faced a win-and-in situation for the 2017 NFL Playoffs, so Newton’s fortuitous luck means the team is back in the postseason for the first time since winning the NFC in 2015. Unfortunately for them, the New Orleans Saints, who have beaten the Panthers twice this season, also won Sunday. For Carolina to win the NFC South, they’ll have to win in Week 17 and hope the Saints lose to the same Buccaneers team that just lost a nailbiter in Charlotte.
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