CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Cam Newton threw two touchdown passes and somersaulted into the end zone for another score to lead the Carolina Panthers to a 24-17 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday.
Newton was 18 of 37 for 195 yards and ran for 77 yards on nine carries.
The fifth-year quarterback provided the highlight of the day when he raced up the middle on a draw play and tumbled over defensive back Rahim Moore - nearly sticking the landing - for a 3-yard TD that put Carolina ahead 17-10 late in the third quarter.
Newton also threw TD passes of 25 yards to Ted Ginn Jr. and 36 yards to Philly Brown for Carolina (2-0).
Ryan Mallett, starting in place of Brian Hoyer, threw for 244 yards and a touchdown and ran for a 6-yard TD for the Texans (0-2). Hoyer was benched after committing two turnovers in a Week 1 loss to Kansas City.
