5 Carolina Panthers who must play better down the stretch

Ameer Abdullah – Carolina Panthers RB

Firing Joe Brady was the biggest indicator yet that Matt Rhule isn’t going to wait around any longer to implement his run-first mentality. There is growing pressure on the head coach following some dismal displays, no real adjustments in-game, and questionable personnel decisions, so making his offensive coordinator the scapegoat could be the last roll of the dice to make a real go of things with the Carolina Panthers.

Of course, becoming a power-run team will be made that much more difficult without Christian McCaffrey, who was placed on season-ending injured/reserve last week. The onus will now be on rookie Chuba Hubbard and Ameer Abdullah to carry the load, with quarterback Cam Newton also set to provide another threat carrying the football.

Abdullah was claimed quickly off the waiver wire after his release by the Minnesota Vikings. He’s made a solid if not spectacular impression overall, but now is the time he must step up and improve his numbers to assist the Panthers down the stretch.

The former second-round is averaging just 3.1 yards-per-carry from 25 touches in a Carolina uniform. That number has to go up if Abdullah wants to become a prominent figure in the backfield this season and beyond.

There is enough to suggest Abdullah is capable. Although much will depend on the offensive line and whether they can hold up their end of the bargain.