Miami Dolphins Break Down as Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers Win 20-16

Nov 24, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) drops back to pass as Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon (50) rushes in the second half of a game at Sun Life Stadium. The Panthers won 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Newton, aka Superman, showed why he is a clutch, big-game performer after raising his team to a 20-16 victory over the Miami Dolphins (5-6) on Sunday.

After a full week of preparation dialing in on Newton and the Carolina Panthers (8-3), the Miami Dolphins posted a roar of urgency and swimming with a calm, constant set of waves in the first half. But in the second half, Miami tried to make Newton their Kryptonite and fell short.

The third-year quarterback stashed another memory for his breakout 2013 season. Newton, who put the Panthers on his shoulders in a closing drive to get the victory over the New England Patriots — ironically — capping off another masterful, successful drive to Greg Olsen to give the Panthers their seventh consecutive victory.

Newton finished with 174 passing yards, one touchdown and an interception. And on the ground he rushed eight carries for 51 yards and a score.

Earlier in the game, Miami was off and running scoring 16 first-half points. Ryan Tannehill, who struggled to deliver the deep ball as of late, connected with his deep threat receiver Mike Wallace on multiple occasions, one being a 53-yard score.

Tannehill recorded 310 yards, one touchdown and an interception and Wallace finished with 5 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown.

Miami’s defense was fairly decent against the Panthers (up until the fourth quarter). Nolan Carroll, a four-year cornerback, anticipated a throw from  Newton and robbed receiver Brandon LeFell from a long-yardage gain.

The problem that the Dolphins had against Carolina was making the most of their opportunities. After a 53-yard reception by Wallace, the Dolphins were placed on the opponent’s 22-yard line, but was later shut down on an three-and-out sequence.

Another moment in the game that would change the complexion of the game in the fourth quarter was an incomplete catch by Rishard Matthews — who was smothered by Carolina’s Luke Kuechly on the play — followed by a missed field goal by rookie Caleb Sturgis. Despite Sturgis connecting on three consecutive field goals on Sunday, he is 17 of 22 attempts on  the season.

Miami will play the New York Jets (5-6) in a wild-card clash next Sunday at 1 p.m. Miami is one of six 5-6 teams in the AFC Wild-Card race.