Panthers’ Style Doesn’t Change With Stewart Out

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers will rely heavily on their running back committee in the absence of Jonathan Stewart, who is out indefinitely with a hamstring injury.

The Panthers led the league in rushing a season ago.  So, their reputation as a strong running team is well deserved. Led by the ever improving offensive line, most of the damage was done by Cam Newton and Jonathan Stewart, but the other capable runners on the roster will get more opportunities as Stewart nurses a sore hamstring and the Panthers run Cam less by design.

Stewart is a big part of the offense, but the players behind him on the depth chart allow Carolina to continue with minimal adjustments to the game plan.

Fozzy Whittaker led the Panthers with 100 yards rushing on 16 carries and added three more catches for 31 yards in relief of the injured Stewart Sunday versus the 49ers.

Cameron Artis-Payne has not been active for the first two games of the season, but will be called upon to shoulder the workload with Stewart out.

Tolbert’s role shouldn’t change much, as the Panthers use Tolbert situationally due to his versatility.

Although Whittaker was impressive in Sunday’s game, concerns exist about his durability as a lead running back.  I would expect Cameron Artis-Payne, whose running style more closely resembles Stewart’s, to be the lead back, with Whittaker still being used as a change of pace back.

Fozzy is very talented as a runner and as a receiver out of the backfield.  His quickness, speed, and elusiveness are a stark contrast to the more bruising styles of Stewart and Artis-Payne.  The Panthers have to think about the season in its entirety while developing a game plan for this week.  Fozzy is capable of carrying the full load, but his best use over the course of the season will be as a compliment to Jonathan Stewart, so keeping Whittaker healthy will also be a priority.

The Vikings defense is very good. Good enough to win games even when Minnesota’s offense plays below average. Linval Joseph and Sharif Floyd are massive space eaters much like Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short. Defensive ends Everson Griffen and Brian Robinson are very active rushing from the edges.  Running against the Vikings defensive front is no easy task, but consistently attempting to run will be necessary to set up Carolina’s play action passing game.

The current version of the Purple People Eaters forced, perennial All-Pro quarterback,  Aaron Rodgers into three turnovers as they constantly harassed him from all angles.  In his first start at quarterback for the Vikings, Sam Bradford looked very comfortable in Sunday night’s win over the Packers.  Panthers’ fans know as well as any, a good offense makes a good defense even better.

The Panthers, however, are the defending NFC Champions for a reason.  As they attempt to solidify their status among the elite franchises in the league, they must impose their will and style of play on opponents week in and week out.  Although the Panthers’ passing game is becoming the focal point of the offense, the rushing attack provides the balance needed to keep opposing defenses from focusing solely on stopping Cam and his talented receiving core.

Carolina’s offense has developed a character based primarily on the talents of Cam Newton, but the solid contributions of the offensive line and running backs make the unit a multi-dimensional threat.  Although the Vikings boast a formidable defense, the Panthers have the chemistry and experience to execute their game plan against any opponent.

All Carolina needs to do is stick to the script.