5 Panthers players that disappeared at the Buccaneers in Week 17

D’Onta Foreman – Carolina Panthers RB

D’Onta Foreman finished the day with 118 rushing yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7. When the Carolina Panthers have been at their best this season, the running back is often at the heart of what they are doing on offense.

After an early nice run, Foreman was nowhere to be found, ending the contest with 35 yards on the ground and 2.7 yards per carry. This obviously isn’t going to get it done given how reliant the Panthers are on establishing a run within Ben McAdoo’s scheme.

While one could fault the offensive line to a degree, Foreman had a bad game against a team he dominated earlier in the season. The return of Vita Vea helped the Buccaneers, but the opportunity to control the clock was there thanks to Carolina securing a two-touchdown advantage early.

Running against the Tampa Bay defensive line is never easy. But Foreman allowed their defense to take him out of the game early in the second half and all the pressure shifted to Sam Darnold.

Darnold has been solid with a prolific run game to rely on. Without Foreman and Chuba Hubbard gaining significant yardage, turnovers and mistakes are inevitable.

Foreman has had an incredible season setting career highs in nearly every category. But when the Panthers needed him most, the moment seemed too big.