Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has praised the resilience of quarterback Cam Newton after he led a late charge to clinch a crucial 17-13 win for his side over the New Orleans Saints yesterday.
Newton threw a game-winning 14-yard touchdown pass to Domenik Hixon with just 23 seconds left to give the Panthers their first playoff appearance since 2008 and leave them in control of the NFC South.
The play came at the end of a frustrating match for Newton, but Rivera hailed his quarterback's ability to step up to the plate even when he was not at his best.
"Cam was very resilient. He struggled all day and he knows that. But he came through when we needed him," Rivera told The AP.
The Panthers will wrap up the NFC South and secure a first-round bye in the NFL playoffs if they beat the Atlanta Falcons in their final regular season game on Sunday.
