The return of Aaron Rodgers was supposed to save the Green Bay Packers' playoff hopes.
Cam Newton had other plans.
The Panthers quarterback threw for four touchdowns as part of a stellar afternoon that saw him lead Carolina to a 31-24 win over the returning Rodgers and his Packers.
Rodgers looked noticeably rusty against a swarming Panthers defense, throwing for 290 yards and three touchdowns against three interceptions. It was his first game with three interceptions since Nov. 8, 2009. The Pro Bowl quarterback returned Sunday after a two-month with a broken collarbone.