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Panthers offense: Regular season report card

By Brandon Scott

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers huddles the offense during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 29, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers huddles the offense during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 29, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Vikings v Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 10: Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers runs for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Running Back: 78, C+

C at 49ers, C vs. Bills, C vs. Saints, B at Patriots
B- at Lions, D- vs. Eagles, C at Bears, C at Bucs
C+ vs. Falcons, A vs. Dolphins, B- at Jets, C at Saints
A vs. Vikings, B vs. Packers, C vs. Buccaneers, D at Falcons

Two running backs have been mostly featured this season in veteran Jonathan Stewart and rookie Christian McCaffrey. Both have been relatively effective later in the season but when the offensive front fails to create openings, each has struggled as well.

McCaffrey has influenced the offense considerably, impacting plays on the ground, through the air and by solely being present on the field. His skill set demands attention from opposing defenses and pre-snap motion with some play action have each set up nice plays for himself and others on the offense.

Stewart continues to prove a capable runner as the Panthers continuously rely on a power run game to sustain drives and wear down opponents. Other than the two featured backs, reserves Fozzy Whittaker and Cameron Artis-Payne have seen limited action.

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