4 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers at Buccaneers in Week 17
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers get 125+ rushing yards from D’Onta Foreman
Another dominant performance against the Detroit Lions came with a notable accolade for D’Onta Foreman. The running back was crowned NFC Offensive Player of the Week after notching 165 rushing yards and one touchdown from 21 carries, which extends what’s been a phenomenal second half of 2022 for the one-time backup.
Foreman’s bruising running style causes constant problems for any opposing defense. Providing early momentum is generated and the offensive line also wins their trench battles, there isn’t much anyone can do to prevent him from getting prolific numbers.
The former Texas star’s increasing notoriety means extra attention from defensive schemes. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will tailor their game plan around stopping Foreman and Chuba Hubbard, putting the game in quarterback Sam Darnold’s hands despite the signal-caller enjoying a renaissance of his own.
Shutting down the Panthers’ run game is the best way to overcome them. The Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers demonstrated this to full effect, with the potential return of stud defensive tackle Vita Vea something else Carolina must counteract.
If everything clicks into place once again, Foreman can thrive. Should the player manage more than 125 rushing yards in Week 17, then the Panthers won’t be far away from shocking the NFL world.