5 bright spots from the Carolina Panthers defeat at Falcons in Week 8

D’Onta Foreman – Carolina Panthers RB

After the Carolina Panthers traded away Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers, many thought their running attack would be practically non-existent. Instead, what we’ve seen is a stark improvement in the ground game.

In the last two contests, the Panthers have rushed for an impressive 342 yards, with D’Onta Foreman being a key part of that. Heading into the Week 7 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the free-agent signing had amassed just 37 rushing yards and zero scores to start the season.

A lot of fans thought that Foreman was not correctly utilized by previous head coach Matt Rhule. Something that’s proven true based on his production over the last fortnight.

During games against the Bucs and Atlanta Falcons, Foreman accumulated 41 carries for 236 rushing yards at 5.75 yards per carry and three touchdowns. This level of production, coupled with what the former Texas star contributed in relief of Derrick Henry in 2021, has left more confusion at the lack of use when McCaffrey was still in town.

Foreman, who is in Carolina on a team-friendly deal, is only under contract for this season. But if he continues this level of production, there is a good chance an extension comes his way.

This leaves the Panthers with an opportunity to draft a young running back in 2023, pairing them with the likes of Foreman and Chuba Hubbard to create a powerful Panthers running unit.