Cam Newton throws TD pass, Panthers lead Buccaneers 7-3 after 1st quarter

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Tampa, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (The Associated Press)

Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) celebrates with teammate tight end Ben Hartsock (84) after catching a 1-yard touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter of an NFL football game on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco) (The Associated Press)

Cam Newton threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Greg Olsen to cap a nearly 9-minute drive and the Carolina Panthers led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-3 after the first quarter Thursday night.

Newton and the Panthers converted on four straight third-downs plays during the 15-play, 70-yard drive. Newton ran for two of the third-down conversions and threw for the others.

The Bucs punted on their opening possession of the night, but got on the board with Rian Lindell's 47-yard field goal.

The winless Buccaneers entered the night looking to avoid their seventh 0-7 start in franchise history. Carolina is trying to notch its third straight victory of the season and move above .500 for the first time since 2008.