NEWTON NFC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Quarterback Cam Newton continues to pile up weekly awards ahead of his inevitable MVP nod.

Newton was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his four-touchdown performance against the Bucs. The honor kept alive an irrelevant but somewhat interesting streak – Newton won the award in Weeks 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17.

Five such awards equal what Patriots quarterback Tom Brady did in 2007 when he set the mark for most in a single season.

Before Newton’s string of Player of the Weeks, the team record for most career awards was four. He’s now won it eight times in his five seasons.

When asked if Newton was in the midst of the best season a quarterback has ever had, Rivera wouldn’t go that far, but he did encapsulate what most are thinking.

“This is pretty phenomenal. Again, I’m biased, but I’m very pleased with who he has become for us and what he means for this football team,” Rivera said. “He is the face of the franchise. He’s our offensive leader and having Dave Gettleman and his guys get him signed for years to come I think has been a great move for us.”

The Panthers have totaled eight weekly awards this season, which is another team record.