The Carolina Panthers claimed the NFC South with a 41-38 victory over the New Orleans Saints yesterday.
Carolina Quarterback Cam Newton Newton completed 28 of 41 passes for 331 yards and five touchdowns. He also sustained a helmet-to-helmet hit. He stayed in the game, but was examined for a concussion.
"It's a physical sport," Newton says. "You know, it's a collision sport. I understand and I know that. But I'm fine... I'm happy that we got to win today."
Newton's final pass led to a 15-yard scoring strike by wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery. Running back Jonathan Stewart had a five-yard scoring run on a pitch from Newton.
Coach Ron Rivera's Panthers are now the only unbeaten team in the NFL.
"I'm very fortunate. I've got a good group of young men in our locker room, you know, good group of coaches, great support from our football support staff," Rivera says. "We've still got work... left to go."
The Panthers have four games left in the regular season. They host the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday.