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Innovative Design: Newton's running ability gives Panthers the ultimate weapon

Grant Halverson / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Cam Newton is unique.

The Carolina Panthers star quarterback is a rare physical specimen the likes of which have rarely played under center in the NFL. Consequently, while the Panthers are able to run similar read-option plays to the rest of the NFL, the results are often strikingly superior thanks to the 2015 MVP's terrifying skill set.

Maybe in a bid to conserve Newton's health as he dealt with a shoulder injury to start the year, Carolina moved away somewhat from using Newton as a runner and tried to keep him playing from the pocket - an understandable tactic, but one that robbed them of one of the league's most effective and potent threats. It's no coincidence the Panthers' offense has taken off since correcting that error.

Facing a second-and-5 Sunday with about two and a half minutes to go while tied at 24 against fellow NFC contender, the Minnesota Vikings, Carolina - as they have throughout his seven-year career - turned to Newton's legs to seal the victory.

The power of the option

Lined up in the shotgun formation alongside running back Jonathan Stewart, Newton reads Everson Griffen - the furthest Viking to the right - as he moves to hand the ball to Stewart.

Newton steps forward as Stewart crosses his face, giving him the maximum amount of time to read Griffen's movement. Griffen crashes down, looking to take Stewart and leaving the edge vulnerable to a Newton run.

While the natural question to ask is why Griffen opted to take an aging back instead of Newton, Stewart had a 60-yard touchdown earlier in the game, which likely was a factor in Griffen's poor decision.

Mauler making space

Left tackle Matt Kalil briefly engages Griffen before allowing him to pass when it's clear he's focused on Stewart. Kalil then pulls around the defensive end and heads toward linebacker Anthony Barr, who's likely tasked with setting the edge should Griffen crash inside.

Kalil pushes Barr further outside, opening a huge lane for Newton to exploit, and exploit it he does.

The elusive Mr. Newton

R.I.P Andrew Sendejo. The Vikings safety is given the unenviable task of trying to tackle Newton one-on-one in the open field. It was always unlikely Sendejo would be adding the highlight to his career's must-see moments, but it went even worse than he likely ever imagined (or had nightmares about).

Newton is often lauded for his power and straight-line speed, but he also possesses uncanny agility for a man who stands at a conservative 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds.

He builds up speed and appears to be heading across Sendejo's face toward the middle of the field. However, as soon as the safety bites, Newton sticks his foot in the ground and jukes him of his cleats. Sendejo is left trying to catch Newton's shadow.

Read and speed

Again, Newton turns a good gain into a great one by reading his block and forcing the defender into an unfavorable position. Newton heads toward the sideline before cutting back inside of Russell Shepard and allowing the Panthers wide receiver to get between him and cornerback Xavier Rhodes, the final man who can stop Newton before the Panthers get in game-winning field-goal range.

At this point, it becomes a foot race between Newton and cornerback Trae Waynes for the next 30 yards.

Close but no cigar

There's a reason why Newton's nickname is Superman and not The Flash.

Waynes is able to run the veteran pivot down after a 62-yard gain and attempts to strip the ball, but Newton protects it as he's tackled inside the 10-yard line. Three plays later, Stewart caps off the game-winning drive by leaping into the end zone in a way his superhuman quarterback surely approved.

(Photos courtesy: NFL/Twitter)

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