We are just barely halfway through the first game of the 2016 NFL season, and we have a record broken. Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton scrambled for a 2-yard touchdown, and that moved him past Steve Young for most career rushing touchdowns.
Newton tied Young in the Panthers season finale last season, with No. 43. This one is his 44th, and it’s safe to say he could put some distance between himself and Young by the time his career is complete. This was Newton’s 79th game, and he is still only 27 years old.
Newton also surpassed Young for most games with a touchdown through the air and on the on the ground. Newton connected with the recently returned Kelvin Benjamin for the touchdown. This was the 32nd time Newton has completed this feat. He entered the season tied with Young.
It’s disappointing to see Young lose the records, but Newton is certainly no slouch as a quarterback. The return of Kelvin Benjamin is a huge boost for an offense that had to rely on Ted Ginn as a major receiving threat last season. The Panthers defense has plenty of question marks, but this offense could be intriguing with Benjamin back in the mix.