The Carolina Panthers defeated the New Orleans Saints by a final score of 35-27 behind an outstanding game from Cam Newton.

The Panthers had a +9.2 advantage in The Trench Counter, averaging 12.2 yards per pass while limiting Drew Brees to 6.6. The Saints, however, had a +3 advantage in Total Rushes/Completions.

Newton went 14-for-20 for 253 yards and one touchdown through the air, connecting with Steve Smith three times for 104 yards and Brandon LaFell six times for 90 yards. Newton heled Carolina establish an effective ground game after a rough Week 1, rushing 13 times for 71 yards with a touchdown.

Brees threw for 325 yards, but again was far from completely effective by completing 31 of his 49 pass attempts with two interceptions. Darren Sproles caught 13 balls for 128 yards and Jimmy Graham caught a goalline touchdown pass.