ATLANTA, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Cam Newton provided 221 total yards and hurled two TD passes Sunday, sending Carolina to a 21-20 win over Atlanta and an NFC South championship.
Newton made good on 15-of-27 passes for 149 yards with an interception and also ran for 72 yards on 12 carries as the Panthers (12-4) ended the regular season with an 11th win in 12 games.
On defense, Carolina sacked Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan nine times, including a team-record four by Greg Hardy.
Cornerback Melvin White returned an interception for a score for the Panthers, who claimed their first division title since 2008 and secured a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Thirteen-time Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez made four catches for 56 yards in what was likely his final game for Atlanta (4-12).
