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Panthers out to early lead after fourth-down call

Cam Newton

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks to pass against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

AP

Double checks uniforms. Yep, it’s the Panthers.

Carolina’s out to a 7-0 lead over the Giants, thanks to Cam Newton doing good things and his madcap head coach rolling the dice.

Fullback Mike Tolbert converted a fourth-and-inches for a touchdown, a rare call for a head coach who has leaned more conservative than Jesse Helms when it comes to game-management decisions. It was also their first points in the first quarter of a game this season.

The Panthers came into the game with a banged up secondary, but the Giants can’t get to it. Eli Manning has been sacked four times already, and they’re not finding much room to run.