Monday 28 September 2015 01:08, UK
Cam Newton threw for two touchdowns as the Carolina Panthers held on for a 27-22 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
The Panthers quarterback produced another impressive individual display, throwing for 315 yards in total as Carolina started 3-0 for the first time since reaching the Super Bowl in the 2003 season.
Luke McCown, starting in place of the injured Drew Brees, completed 31 of 38 passes for 310 yards, but could not save the Saints (0-3) from falling three games back in the NFC South.
Newton also ran for a 13-yard touchdown on a bootleg, while his two touchdown passes found the safe hands of tight end Greg Olsen, who ended with eight catches for a career-high 134 yards.
The Saints tried to rescue themselves in the closing stages, but Josh Norman sealed victory for Carolina with a leaping interception in the end zone with 1:09 remaining.
The Oakland Raiders also claimed a hard-fought 27-20 win over the Cleveland Browns after Derek Carr threw two touchdown passes.
Carr connected with Andre Holmes and Seth Roberts in the first half and the Raiders (2-1) held off a late Cleveland (1-2) comeback to win their first road game since November 2013.
