Newton, McCaffrey lead Panthers past Buccaneers 42-28

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cam Newton completed 19 of 25 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns, Christian McCaffrey racked up 157 yards from scrimmage and scored twice and the Carolina Panthers built an early lead and held on to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 42-28 for their 10th straight home win Sunday.

Newton threw TD passes of 19 yards to Curtis Samuel and 17 yards to Greg Olsen, the seventh straight game he has thrown for at least two touchdowns. McCaffrey had 17 carries for 79 yards and five catches for 78 yards and turned in the play of the game when he leaped over a defender after a reception in the flat and kept going, turning it into a 32-yard gain.

The Panthers (6-2) scored touchdowns on five straight possessions during the first half to build a commanding 35-7 lead before the Buccaneers battled back to within a touchdown early in the fourth quarter behind Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Past Panthers coverage

• Ex-Panthers owner Richardson donates $5M to African-American museum
• Newton, Panthers' offense hitting stride under Turner
• WEEK 8 PREVIEW: Panthers look to keep momentum going against Ravens
• WEEK 7 PREVIEW: Eagles look to make another statement vs. Panthers
• CARDIAC CATS: Newton rallies Panthers to 21-17 win over Eagles
• WEEK 7 PREVIEW: Eagles look to make another statement vs. Panthers
• Panthers owner, wide receiver get involved in fairness in criminal justice system
• 5-year-old boy makes 3D-printed hand for Panthers' Cam Newton
• WEEK 6: Panthers take on Redskins, former teammate Josh Norman
• Samuel gives Panthers another speedy option on offense
• Panthers' Gano finds place for ball used on winning kick
• Gano's career-long 63-yard field goal lifts Panthers over Giants 33-31
• Panthers owner David Tepper hits Forbes' list of wealthiest Americans
• New Panthers owner Tepper getting involved in social issues
• Carolina Panthers owner gets candid about NFL players' protests
• Eric Reid signs with Panthers, back in NFL after protests
• Eric Reid undecided on protests, won't drop grievance vs NFL
• Hope: Family fleeing coast finds refuge at Panthers game, boy gets game football
• Cam Newton learning to become more efficient passer
• Carolina Panthers owner gets candid about NFL players' protests
• Ryan shines with arm and legs, Falcons beat Panthers 31-24
• Panthers coach Rivera won't tolerate 'lazy' play on defense
• 'We share more than a state line': Panthers, local organizations unite in Florence relief efforts
• WEEK 1: Newton, defense lead Panthers past Cowboys 16-8
• WEEK 1 PREVIEW: Panthers host Cowboys in first home-opener since 2013
• Anticipation ends as Panthers fans party for 2018 opener
• What next stadium makeover could mean for Panthers, Charlotte
• Panthers PSL owner says fan with fake ticket stole his seat, got away with it]
• Panthers kick-off season opener with pregame party for fans
• Efe Obada survives human trafficking, now a Carolina Panther

But the return of "Fitzmagic" wasn't enough as Newton made it a two-possession game when he found Samuel, who made a leaping grab in the end zone with 9:10 left in the game. It was the second-year wide receiver's second TD of the game. He also scored on a 33-yard reverse.

Fitzpatrick, who started in place of the turnover-prone Jameis Winston for Tampa Bay (3-5), finished with 243 yards passing and four touchdowns -- two each to Adam Humphries and O.J. Howard.

But Fitzpatrick also had a key interception on the game's second possession leading to Carolina's first touchdown of the game, a 1-yard run by fullback Alex Armah. He was also picked off late in the fourth quarter by rookie cornerback Donte Jackson, sealing the win.

NATIONAL ANTHEM

Panthers safety Eric Reid took a knee during the national anthem to protest racial and social injustice.

INJURIES

Buccaneers: None reported.

Panthers: Reid left in the fourth quarter with a shoulder injury, but returned to the game.

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UP NEXT

Buccaneers: Host Washington on Sunday.

Panthers: Play four of their next five games on the road, beginning Thursday night at Pittsburgh.

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Associated Press