4 critical observations from Panthers defeat vs. Steelers in Week 15

Carolina Panthers’ run game was non-existent

One of the hallmarks of losses under Steve Wilks is when the Carolina Panthers cannot get the running game going, they inevitably fall to defeat. This proved to be the case once again in Week 15.

While losses in Baltimore and Cincinnati yielded just 36 and 64 yards, the pitiful 21 yards they amassed on Sunday was the fourth-lowest number in franchise history and the team’s lowest total in a decade. D’Onta Foreman especially struggled as he carried the ball 10 times for just nine rushing yards, which was bad news for the Panthers and fantasy football owners across the country.

Not all can be blamed on the Panthers’ running back room as the offensive line – which has performed so admirably over the season – had arguably its worst game of the campaign so far. They were completely dominated by the Steelers’ extremely talented defensive front, with the likes of Alex Highsmith and veteran Cameron Heyward having their way from start to finish.

Unfortunately for Carolina, with the lack of talent they currently have in the quarterback too, they are always going to be heavily reliant on their running game. When it doesn’t fire, that emphasis switches back on to Sam Darnold – the player just doesn’t have the talent to carry this offense to wins.