New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats On Sep 16, 2012

Newton had only four rushing yards and the Panthers (1-1) only 10 in their opening loss to Tampa Bay, but they rolled up 219 of their 463 yards on the ground Sunday. Newton accounted for 40 yards on one play, leading to a franchise record for rushing yards by a quarterback.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees finished 31-of-49 for 325 yards, his NFL-record ninth consecutive 300-yard passing game. He opened the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Jimmy Graham and added a 1-yard scoring run to make it 35-27 with 1:55 left. He also threw a pair of interceptions - one that Charles Godfrey returned nine yards for a touchdown and one by Jon Beason that sealed the outcome.

The Saints pulled to within 28-20 on Mark Ingram's 1-yard scoring run with 12:57 left, but Newton hit a wide-open Steve Smith for 66 yards to set up his own 5-yard touchdown run. Smith had three catches for 104 yards, extending his franchise-record streak of consecutive games with a reception to 76, and Brandon LaFell caught six passes for 90 yards.

Pierre Thomas notched his fourth career 100-yard rushing game for the Saints with 110 yards on nine carries, and Darren Sproles had 128 receiving yards on 13 catches. Graham has caught a touchdown pass in seven straight games, the longest active streak in the league.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Side judge Brian Stropolo was pulled from his assignment after the NFL became aware of his open allegiance to the Saints via photos posted on his Facebook profile. … Saints K Garrett Hartley made two field goals, including a career-long 53-yard kick. … Brees has thrown a touchdown pass in 45 consecutive games, two shy of Johnny Unitas' NFL record, and he has completed at least 20 passes in 38 straight games.