New York: Graham Gano kicked a last gasp field goal as the Carolina Panthers preserved their unbeaten record with a pulsating 38-35 NFL victory over the New York Giants on Sunday in a match marred by several flashpoints involving Odell Beckham Jr.
Scotland-born Gano held his nerve to nail a 43-yard effort after a masterful late drive by Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who marched Carolina into field goal range after Beckham's late touchdown had tied it up at 35-35 after New York had trailed 35-7.
Newton, who had left the game in the third quarter with what appeared to be a knee injury before returning, finished with another remarkable set of figures, throwing for five touchdowns and 340 yards as well as picking up 100 rushing yards.
But Newton's latest dazzling performance in the Panthers' 14-0 season was overshadowed by a fiery display from Giants superstar Beckham.
The receiver was issued with no fewer than three personal fouls during an ill-tempered display as his frustration boiled over.
The major incident came during the second half when Beckham launched himself at Panthers cornerback Josh Norman, spearing into the Carolina defensive player's head in an ugly helmet-to-helmet clash.
Beckham was lucky not to have been ejected for the foul and could yet face further disciplinary action over the incident from NFL chiefs.
Panthers star Newton was relieved to have clinched victory after New York's fight back.
- 'All fun and games' -
"We've been in this place before," Newton said. "We had an unbelievable great game today. We've just got to be better at finishing at the end. That was embarrassing how we let those guys come back.
"We've got to find ways of getting better. We knew it wasn't going to be easy but I'm just glad to have a kicker that could push it through."
Newton declined to be drawn on the specifics of Beckham's multiple transgressions, saying only: "It's obvious what he did."
"Odell's a great guy ... it's all fun and games that's all it is."
Beckham meanwhile refused to comment on his duel with Norman.
"It's unfortunate we lost," Beckham said, while acknowledging he regretted the indiscipline which cost his team yards.
"You never want to hurt your team like that," he said.
Norman meanwhile hit out at the receiver's head shot. "It was crazy man," Norman told reporters. "I hope I pulled back the mask on who this guy really is."
New York's defeat saw them slip further out of the post-season picture in the NFC, as they fell to 6-8. The Washington Redskins now lead the NFC Eastern division at 7-7 after defeating Buffalo 35-25 on Sunday.
The Giants defeat also guaranteed a playoff spot for the Green Bay Packers, who were playing the Oakland Raiders later Sunday.
While the Giants are mathematically alive for a playoff berth, they must now defeat the Minnesota Vikings (9-5) next week to have any chance of saving their season.
The Vikings returned to form with a 38-17 rout of the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Elsewhere Sunday, the New England Patriots edged closer to securing top seeding in the AFC with a 33-16 win over the Tennessee Titans to improve to 12-2.
The Patriots could clinch a first round bye in the playoffs depending on the outcome of the Denver Broncos-Cincinnati Bengals game later Sunday.
Tom Brady threw for two touchdowns to Rob Gronkowski and James White to take his tally for the season to 35 touchdown passes.
Brady finished with 23 of 25 for 267 yards as the Titans were swept aside.
AFP
