CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers are heading to New Orleans with a head of steam.

Newton threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score, and the Panthers defeated Tampa Bay 27-6 Sunday for a franchise-record eighth straight regular season victory.

Newton threw touchdown passes to Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn Jr. and “Superman” leaped over the pile for another score as the Panthers (9-3) outgained the Buccaneers 426-206.

The Carolina victory sets up a huge showdown next Sunday night with New Orleans with first place in the NFC South on the line.

Newton ran for 68 yards and overcame two interceptions. The third-year quarterback has thrown for 13 touchdown passes and run for five scores during the Panthers’ current win streak.

Carolina’s defense came in allowing the fewest points in the league and flexed its muscles again, forcing two turnovers and sacking rookie Mike Glennon four times to snap Tampa Bay’s three-game winning streak. Glennon had thrown a touchdown pass in an NFL record eight straight games to start his career.

But the Panthers kept the Bucs (3-9) out of the end zone.