Cam Newton impresses again, but Packers take 30-23 win
At Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.
■ RECAP: Aaron Rodgers threw for 308 yards and two touchdowns, while the Green Bay Packers withstood another 400-yard passing day from Carolina rookie Cam Newton to beat the Panthers 30-23 on Sunday.
A week after throwing for 422 yards, Newton topped himself by throwing for 432 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a 4-yard touchdown with 37 seconds left to bring Carolina (0-2) within seven, but the Packers (2-0) recovered the ensuing onside kick to seal the victory.
Rodgers found wide receiver Greg Jennings for a 49-yard touchdown early in the third quarter to put the Packers ahead for good. Then, after linebacker Clay Matthews stopped Newton on a fourth-down run inside the Green Bay 5, Rodgers found wide receiver Jordy Nelson for an 84-yard touchdown to make it a two-possession game and help the Packers hang on.
While Newton had another big yardage day, the Packers' defense came up big by forcing the rookie into three interceptions -- two by cornerback Charles Woodson.
■ QUOTEABLE: "I knew he would be good, but if I told you I knew he'd be this good this early, I'd be lying to you. ... We threw a lot of stuff at him today, and he was able to sit back there and make some of the plays they needed."
-- B.J. Raji, Packers nose tackle
■ NEXT: Packers at Bears, 1:15 p.m. Sunday; Jaguars at Panthers, 10 a.m. Sunday
