The Carolina Panthers defeated the New Orleans Saints by a score of 35-27 Sunday behind the arm and legs of quarterback Cam Newton. The second-year player out of Auburn was efficient while scoring a touchdown on the ground and through the air.

The Saints jumped on top 7-0 early in the first quarter when Drew Brees connected with Jimmy Graham on a one-yard touchdown pass that capped an 11-play, 80-yard opening drive.

Panthers strong safety Charles Godfrey tied the game when he picked off Brees for a nine-yard score. The Saints responded with two field goals to push their lead to 13-7, but it was all Carolina from there.

Carolina came back with three-straight touchdown drives to blow the game open. The Saints recovered to pull within 28-20 in the fourth, but the Panthers answered immediately with a 6-play, 80-yard drive capped off by a Newton touchdown run that built the lead to 35-20.

The Saints closed to 35-27 late, but were unable to recover the onside kick. New Orleans did get one last chance, but Brees threw another interception.

Fantasy studs/duds: The quarterbacks made things happen passing the ball and rushing the ball. Newton completed 14/20 for 253 yards with a touchdown and also carried 13 times for 71 yards and a touchown. Brees was 31/49 for 325 and a touchdown while also rushing for a score. His two interceptions do hurt.

The Panthers defense forced three turnovers and scored, so hooray for their owners. The Saints defense forced a turnover, but gave up plenty of yards and didn't score, Not a great day.

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Odds/Gambling The Saints were favored, so obviously they didn't cover.

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Injury info The gave was relatively free of injuries. Brees looked to go down with a leg injury, but didn't leave the game. Wide receiver Steve Smith was carted off at one point, but it turned out to just be dehydration and cramping.

Next Up: The Saints return home to face the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. The Panthers host the New York Giants at 8:20 p.m. ET on Thursday Night Football.

For more on the Saints, check out Canal Street Chronicles. For all things Panthers, head to Cat Scratch Reader.