Carolina Panthers have a lot of depth at running back which leads to compelling position battles.
Position battles are one of the more intriguing storylines to follow throughout the off-season. Players are faced with their first real competition test as they push each other for vital playing time. Just like every other team in the NFL, the Carolina Panthers have key positions in which battles will take place. Looking at these positions shows some areas for opportunity as the Panthers look to cement their roster with the best athletes available to the organization.
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Jonathan Stewart has long held the job as the Panthers number-one rusher. After DeAngelo Williams was allowed to leave for free agency back in 2014, Stewart became the go-to rusher for this power run team. Even though injuries consistently hamper his performance, Stewart has continued to contribute as an important part of this offense.
The question lies as to who will be the primary player to back up Stewart and have a major role in this running committee. Fozzy Whittaker and Cameron Artis-Payne are locked in a battle that continues from last season. Artis-Payne was expected to snatch the backup position away from Whittaker, but both provided steady running throughout the year.
Whittaker was the more productive as he appeared in 15 games and even started one. Artis-Payne played in seven games during his rookie campaign. On a strictly numbers basis, Whittaker was the stronger performer as he earned 108 yards on 25 attempts. Artis-Payne received nearly double the attempts at 45 in which he brought in 183 yards. Both men ended the year with one rushing touchdown each.
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So, who will carry much of the load behind Stewart, Cam Newton and Mike Tolbert? Early predictions are that Whittaker will be the person the Panthers call on in times of need. Stewart’s not known for being a durable back that remains healthy throughout the year, so Whittaker could solidify his position as the number two running back throughout the summer and early into the start of the 2016 season.
Devon Johnson is an undrafted signee that the Panthers picked up just days after the NFL Draft. He was a power runner that played between the tackles, which is the type of long term back that could compliment Artis-Payne if he were to become the premier rusher on this team. Johnson is another player that suffers from injury concerns as a back injury forced him to miss most of his senior year at Marshall.
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The Carolina Panthers boast one of the strongest rushing attacks in the National Football League. This unit has put together a streak of 100-yard games that dates back nearly two seasons, and they’ve put together a roster that has the ability to keep that going well into this upcoming season.
One of the more compelling storylines to watch is which player emerges to join this running attack by committee. Whittaker and Artis-Payne are locked in a battle to see which guy will take more of a prominent role in 2016, but names like Johnson and others can potentially surprise before the year kicks off.