By Fred Goodall, AP Sports Writer

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Cam Newton ran for three touchdowns to set the NFL single-season record for rushing TDs by a quarterback, leading the Panthers to a 38-19 rout of the Buccaneers on Sunday.

The 2010 Heisman Trophy winner scored the 11th, 12th and 13th TDs of his career on a trio of 1-yard runs. The rookie also had a reception to set up a touchdown and threw a pass to Legedu Naanee to finish one of Carolina's three scoring drives of 80-plus yards.

The Panthers (4-8) have doubled their victory total for last season. Tampa Bay (4-8) has lost six straight and seven of eight following a 3-1 start.

The Bucs played without quarterback Josh Freeman, who sat out with an injury to his throwing shoulder.

Game stats

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