4 Panthers players who’ve earned a big payday at the 2022 bye week
By Dean Jones
D’Onta Foreman – Carolina Panthers RB
When the Carolina Panthers traded Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in the immediate aftermath of Matt Rhule’s firing, many saw this as a sign those in power were waving the white flag and focusing more on the future. However, one could argue that the team has been equally if not more competitive without their old head coach in recent weeks.
Much of this has to do with improved preparation and other players further down the pecking order taking advantage of additional playing time. One primary example of this is D’Onta Foreman, who was seldom seen when Rhule called the shots but has come to life ever since.
It’s not like Foreman doesn’t have form in these situations. He filled in superbly for the Tennessee Titans in Derrick Henry’s absence last season and his bruising running style has gone down extremely well as the primary back in Carolina.
Foreman’s been a breath of fresh air at a time when the Panthers needed him most. Something that should see the organization attempt to keep him around beyond the current campaign when the time comes.
The Panthers might still look towards the college ranks for assistance with their newfound draft wealth. But physical backs with proven production are often tough to find and Carolina must do everything in their power to extend Foreman next spring.