4 critical observations from the Panthers win vs. Broncos in Week 12
By Luke Gray
Carolina Panthers leaned on the running game
A week after the Carolina Panthers had just 36 rushing yards in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Ben McAdoo once again leaned heavily on his rushing attack against the Denver Broncos’ usually stout defensive front.
Led once again by the bruising D’Onta Foreman, the Panthers rushed for 185 yards with the Texas product logging another 100-yard game to add to his ever-growing collection since replacing Christian McCaffrey.
The Panthers’ successes under Steve Wilks have all been built around the run, taking the pressure off whoever is starting at quarterback. In the three wins under the interim head coach, Carolina has rushed for 185, 232, and 173 yards respectively – proving how vital it’s been in ensuring their goals are reached.
Foreman again was a focal point of Carolina’s offensive game plan. Since McCaffrey was traded away to the San Francisco 49ers, he’s cemented his spot as RB1 on the roster ahead of Chuba Hubbard, who himself had 65 rushing yards on 17 carries.
For the remainder of the season, Carolina must focus its offense on the power of Foreman. He should be a priority extension along with center Bradley Bozeman, who has been regularly opening holes for the running backs since coming into the starting lineup.