Carolina Panthers: Johnathan Stewart will be the workhorse

For the first time in a long time the Carolina Panthers will have a different look and style in their backfield.

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Since 2008 it has been the combination of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart as the running backs. In the 2006 NFL Draft, the Panthers selected Williams in the first-round with the 27th overall pick. Stewart would play decently in his first two years, but 2008 was his break out season.

In 2008, the Panthers would draft a running mate for Williams in the first-round. With the 13th overall pick, the Panthers Stewart, which instantly gave the team a talented duo of running backs.

The same year that the Panthers drafted Stewart, Williams would have his break out season. In 2008, Williams totaled 1,515 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, and had a 5.5 yards per carry average. Stewart would also have a great rookie season in 2008, as he totaled 836 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns, and a 4.5 yards per carry average.

After both running backs had good 2008 season, 2009 would be more of a true split between the two. In 2009, both running backs would run for over 1,000 yards, as the Panthers’ identity was all about the ground and pound.

In 2009, Williams totaled 1,117 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, and averaged 5.2 yards per carry. Stewart would see a rise in carries in 2009, and was able to have his first 1,000-yard rushing season. Stewart would total 1,133 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns, and a 5.1 yards per carry average.

After two great seasons having a talented duo in the backfield, both running backs would begin to have injury problems. Since 2010, the only season that both players played in 16 games was in 2011, as injuries mostly to Stewart kept them from being a dynamic duo.

In 2015, the Panthers’ backfield will have a very different look. For the first time since 2006, Williams will no longer be on the team, as he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Williams has certainly seen his production drop over the past few seasons, and 32-years-old is ancient in running back years.

Stewart along with Williams battled injuries last season, but as the Panthers had a strong second half of the season, so did Stewart. It took until December, but Stewart would have his first 100-yard rushing game of the season. In the Panthers’ 41-10 victory against the Saints, Stewart totaled 155 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

Two weeks later, Stewart would have another big game against the Cleveland Browns, as he ran for 122 rushing yards. In December, the Panthers were a perfect 4-0, as a healthy Stewart certainly helped.

January 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With the strong end to the season, the Panthers were able to win the NFC South. In the playoffs, Stewart would have a great game to help the Panthers win their first-round game. Against a good Cardinals’ defense, Stewart was able to total 123 rushing yards and one touchdown in the Panthers’ 27-16 win.

The Panthers weren’t able to defeat the Seattle Seahawks in the second-round of the playoffs, but Stewart played well with 70 rushing yards against the best defense in the NFL.

For the first time in his career, Stewart will be the clear cut No.1 running back in 2015. Stewart has shown recently that when he plays well, the Panthers are a pretty good team. The important thing for Stewart and the Panthers in 2015 will be his health. If Stewart can stay healthy in 2015, he should be able to once again run for over 1,000 rushing yards.

Next: Will Devin Funchess improve the Panthers' offense?

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