The 5 Most Awesome Things Cam Newton Did In The NFC Championship Game

Newton flipped, dabbed and celebrated his way to the Super Bowl.
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Grant Halverson via Getty Images

It took just 5:25 for the Carolina Panthers to get on the board in their NFC Championship bout against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Then, it took just over five more minutes for them to score again. And on it went, thanks to a certain player donning a No. 1 white and blue jersey.

On a night when Carolina's running and passing games were both on full display, the visiting Cardinals just didn't have the offensive firepower needed to compete, falling to the Panthers, 49-15. Per usual, quarterback Cam Newton led the way for Carolina, forcing and flipping his way into the end zone for two of his club's touchdowns on the day -- and throwing for two, too. All the while, he dabbed and danced as he earned his trip to Super Bowl 50 next month.

On the biggest stage of his career, Newton showcased not only his dominance with the ball in his hand, but also the man behind the helmet. To honor yet another all-time performance from the MVP candidate, here are five of the most awesome things he did in the NFC Championship matchup on Sunday.

 

1. He Flew Into The End Zone Like Superman Supercam

The Panthers had scored on their first three possessions of the game -- and while they failed to do so on their fourth, a muffed Cardinals punt gave the ball back to Carolina on a short field, setting the stage for Newton's acrobatics. From the one-yard line, Newton did his best Superman impression, flying over the mass of offensive and defensive linemen to tally the TD.

 

2. He Decided To Dab Rather Than Exchange Jabs

While things were getting heated between his teammates and rivals just before intermission, Newton skipped away from the scrum, choosing to dance all by himself instead. Yards away from the scuffle, Newton showed the world his trademark dab to celebrate the Panthers' growing lead.

 

3. Then The Quarterback-Turned-Gymnast Flipped Into The End Zone

Even when the Cardinals thought they had him stifled, covering the ground game and blocking his way to the end zone, Newton simply -- and literally -- rose above it all, flipping his way to another six points. 

 

4. He Made Sure Everyone Knows There's No "I" In Team By Putting The Name Of All His Teammates On His Pregame Cleats

Newton received a barrage of (largely unfounded) criticism this season, for things as minute as his dabbing. But -- despite it all, in spite of being called a poor role model -- he's remained a model teammate, and he proved this by giving cleat-props to his fellow Panthers on Sunday. 

 

5. And He Trounced The Cardinals On The Way To The Super Bowl

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Streeter Lecka via Getty Images

What had the potential for a blowout in the first half turned into utter mayhem following intermission, when the Panthers demoralized the Cardinals to the tune of their 49-15 victory. No one was expecting an Arizona meltdown of this magnitude -- especially after the club pulled out some magic from its back pocket to win last week's showdown against the Green Bay Packers. And if the victory was a symphony, Newton was truly its maestro. 

Now, we can't wait to see what he'll do in two weeks on the biggest stage of them all.

Take a bow, Cam. You deserve it. 

Amazing Photos From The 2015 NFL Season
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Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy is flipped and brought down by Denver Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware during the first quarter on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver. (Mark Reis/Colorado Springs Gazette/TNS via Getty Images) (credit:Colorado Springs Gazette via Getty Images)
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CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns throws a second quarter pass behind the defense of Brian Orakpo #98 of the Tennessee Titans at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (credit:Gregory Shamus via Getty Images)
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CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns scrambles from cornerback Coty Sensabaugh #24 of the Tennessee Titans during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) (credit:Jason Miller via Getty Images)
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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 10: Fans stand with a sign stating 'Hey Mr. Trump Tom Brady for V.P.' before the game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 10, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) (credit:Jim Rogash via Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 13: J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans is introduced before playing against the Kansas City Chiefs in a NFL game on September 13, 2015 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images) (credit:Thomas B. Shea via Getty Images)
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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 20: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers dives for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (credit:Streeter Lecka via Getty Images)
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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 18: A Boston College Eagles fan holds a sign protesting NFL Comissioner Roger Goodell during the game between the Boston College Eagles and the Florida State Seminoles at Alumni Stadium on September 18, 2015 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) (credit:Maddie Meyer via Getty Images)
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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 20: Garrett Graham #88 of the Houston Texans makes a touchdown catch over A.J. Klein #56 of the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (credit:Streeter Lecka via Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 13: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers takes the field prior to his first regular season game against the Tennessee Titans at Raymond James Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. The Titans defeated the Bucs 42-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) (credit:Joe Robbins via Getty Images)
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ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 20: Buffalo Bills fans in the stands with "Deflategate" signs as the Patriots came onto the field. The New England Patriots take on the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, Sept. 20, 2015. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) (credit:Boston Globe via Getty Images)

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