Cam Newton has over 60 yards rushing and a touchdown to his name as the Carolina Panthers lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the interval.

The Buccaneers opened the scoring when Ryan Lindell knocked through a 27-yard field goal attempt early in the first quarter but from their responding drive, the Panthers took the lead.

With options covered, Newton scrambled to his left and saw daylight, rushing for 56 yards until he was hauled down at the Tampa Bay 14.

Two plays later, the Panthers had the advantage when Newton found Brandon LaFell at the back of the endzone, with the receiver doing well to keep his feet in bounds and complete the score.

The Buccaneers threatened to respond straight away when Vincent Jackson picked up a 60-yard gain, but as Mike Glennon pressed on third and goal, the ball slipped out of his grasp and was piled on by William Gholston.

Newton failed to lead his side on a touchdown drive on their next series, although Graham Gano was able to add three with a 23-yard kick.

As the half wound down, the Panthers were back in the redzone and gambled on fourth and one at the Buccaneers one.

Newton kept hold of the ball and went over the top, and although the ball was knocked from his hands, he was in for the score before he could be stopped.