NFL Game Summary - Tampa Bay at Carolina

Charlotte, NC (SportsNetwork.com) - Cam Newton accounted for three touchdowns and the Carolina Panthers ran their winning streak to a franchise-best eight games in a thorough 27-6 drubbing of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Newton threw for 263 yards with two interceptions while adding 68 yards and a TD on the ground. Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn Jr. each had touchdown catches in the rout.

The Panthers (9-3) pulled within a half-game of the NFC-South leading Saints, and the teams could be tied atop the division prior to next week's showdown in New Orleans pending the Saints-Seahawks outcome on Monday night.

They stopped the improving Buccaneers (3-9) in their tracks, as they allowed just 10 first downs and 206 total yards.

Tampa Bay had won three in a row behind the play of rookie quarterback Mike Glennon, who took a step back Sunday as he lost a key fumble, threw an interception and finished with just 180 passing yards.