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Carolina Panthers: Grades vs. Denver Broncos

By Raphael Garcia

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) dives for the goal line to score a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) dives for the goal line to score a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) carries in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) carries in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Backs

Grade: A

Running the ball is what the Carolina Panthers do well and very few teams have been able to stop them. Even though the Denver Broncos boast one of the strongest defenses in the league, they couldn’t stop the Panthers from continuing their streak of 100-yard rushing games.

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The Panthers ended the game with 157 yards on 32 attempts with one touchdown. This output continued the Panthers’ streak that dates back to the 2014 season. While this is usually a precursor for a Carolina victory, they were unable to get the job done on Sunday.

Jonathan Stewart led the way with 64 yards on 15 attempts. Newton also added 54 yards on 11 attempts of his own and scored the only rushing touchdown of the game. Ted Ginn Jr., had one big rush for 20 yards, while Fozzy Whittaker and Mike Tolbert contributed 13 and six yards, respectively. What was interesting is that Cameron Artis-Payne didn’t play as he’s been tabbed the main backup for Stewart, but was listed as inactive for Thursday’s game.

It is also worth noting that the Panthers’ offensive line continued to play well after being one of the question marks leading into this season. While it’s only one game into the year, this unit showed promise in moving the defensive line.

Next: Wide Receivers

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