Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton calls MVP race "irrelevant"

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is considered the frontrunner for the NFL's MVP award this season, but he's not focused on postseason accolades with more games still to play.

"It's irrelevant to me right now," Newton told the Panthers' web site.

Instead, Newton paid tribute to his teammates for helping him pass for 3,402 yards with 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 14 games. He also has rushed for 580 yards and seven touchdowns and directed game-winning drives against the New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants. The 40 combined touchdowns lead the NFL.

"It's a culmination of guys making plays and (me) feeling comfortable in the pocket," Newton said. "Everybody is doing their job. Offensive football is the ultimate team sport. You need all 11 members to do their job."

Newton is more concerned about extending the Panthers' perfect season (14-0) heading into Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.

"We are living in the moment and making the most of it," Newton said.

The success Newton has attained this season can be traced to his five years of experience in the league.

"It's just growth. I can't even attribute that to maturity," Newton said. "As long as you keep seeing the game and certain situations, you are going to grow. It's also confidence, I can tell you that."

Panthers coach Ron Rivera agrees with Newton's assessment.

"We went through five years of him being developed as a player," Rivera said. "Learning and growing and putting the time in -- making the effort to do things the right way. Now, we are starting to see the benefits of it."