In the 4th quarter and in overtime this year, Carolina quarterback Cam Newton has been really, really good. Newton has completed 54 of 83 passes for 733 yards with 6 touchdown throws and just one interception, along with five sacks for -35 yards. Newton is therefore averaging an impressive 8.78 Adjusted Net Yards per Attempt after 45 minutes have gone by in each game; among quarterbacks with at least 40 pass attempts this year, that’s the second best average in the league, a hair behind Tom Brady (8.81) and just ahead of Carson Palmer (8.59). (Although I will note that noted clutch quarterback Tony Romo is averaging 9.77 ANY/A on 21 4th quarter/overtime pass attempts this year.)

Below are the passing stats from every quarterback this year in the 4th quarter and overtime so far in 2015:

And below are the passing stats from every quarterback in the 1st through 3rd quarters this season, minimum 120 attempts:

Newton’s raw stats are not great this year, but the Panthers are 12-0. There are many reasons for that — a great defense, a great running game (in part, aided by Newton), perhaps traditional stats don’t quite capture what Newton’s vertical passing game brings to the table — but here’s a simple one: he’s been outstanding in the 4th quarter, and that is where most high-leverage plays occur. In fact, Newton’s ANY/A in s 2.59 yards per attempt high in the 4th quarter/overtime than it is in the first three quarters; that’s the second highest increase of any passer this year.

Of course, whether Newton’s 4th quarter heroics are repeatable or sustainable is a very different question. But when trying to figure out why Newton’s numbers feel incongruous with the overall feel of Newton’s game this season, this is probably a big reason why.

(Oh, and man, that Derek Carr line!)