Cam Newton has been the Panthers’ most effective runner Sunday. He proved it by dunking his way into the Falcons’ end zone to send Carolina into the locker room with a 14-10 lead.
Cam Newton literally dunked on the Falcons with this touchdown dive
The Panthers’ second TD came crashing down on Desmond Trufant’s head.
On third-and-5, Newton escaped from the Atlanta pass rush and carved his way past the first down marker and toward the promised land. As he dove for the end zone, linebacker Deion Jones grabbed him by the ankles, cutting off his upward trajectory. So instead of a majestic dive over the goal line, he just sort of dunked the ball on Desmond Trufant’s head.
While Newton lost the ball, officials ruled he had breached the goal line before it tumbled out of his hand. The touchdown stood, giving Carolina a momentum-shifting lead as the teams headed into halftime.
Stephen Curry, noted Panthers fan, was impressed with the play:
What this means for the Panthers: Carolina trailed 10-0 early, but the combination of a resurgent defense and Newton’s playmaking has given them a narrow lead at the break. Christian McCaffrey has been an important weapon for the Panthers, carrying the ball four times for 26 yards and a touchdown while also notching three receptions.
See More:
