Cam Newton throws fifth touchdown pass for game winner (Video)

Even when a poor defensive performance stands in Cam Newton’s way, he finds a way to win.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has officially vaulted himself into the top of the MVP talk, as he led the Panthers to an incredible comeback victory over the New Orleans Saints. He threw his fifth touchdown pass of the day to wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery with just over a minute remaining. Here is a video of Newton throwing yet another game-winning touchdown for the Panthers, who clinched their third consecutive NFC South title.

The Panthers have established themselves even further as the best team in the NFL with a 12-0 record. The New England Patriots suffered their second consecutive loss at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles. Newton now has 25 touchdown passes on the season after a brilliant performance against the Saints, and he proved that he can win even when the Panthers defense is not playing at its best. He also moved past drops by wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr.

Ginn dropped what could have been a touchdown pass twice in the game, but he was ultimately able to finish with 80 yards and two touchdown catches. Newton continues to prove that he can make it work with a depleted receiving corps though, as Ginn and Cotchery are not particularly reliable starters.

The Panthers have two games against the Atlanta Falcons coming up to go with a road game against the New York Giants and home matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.