CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- It could have been worse.
Much.
The Carolina Panthers led Green Bay 27-7 at halftime on Sunday despite flubbing a touchdown opportunity on their opening possession that ended at the 2 and missing a field goal in the second quarter.
Quarterback Cam Newton looked like the MVP candidate he is being dubbed as, rushing for a touchdown and throwing for two. It was the first time in his NFL career that he threw for more than 200 yards and accounted for three touchdowns in any half.
He looked more like Aaron Rodgers than Aaron Rodgers, throwing for 209 yards and compiling a passer rating of 138.