Factoid
I know the Panthers went only 2-14 last year, but I think they might lead the league in rushing this year. They’ve got a potentially great running quarterback, and they have a host of good running backs.
Cam Newton, I think, might be the best running quarterback in the league. He’s not as fast as Michael Vick, but he’s a lot bigger and younger. I think he’ll be used as a runner a lot, particularly around the goal line.
DeAngelo Williams was hurt for most of last year, but I think he’s still potentially one of the top half dozen tailbacks in the league. When he’s on his game, I think he looks a lot like Barry Sanders.
Jonathan Stewart, in comparison with the other No. 2 running backs around the league, I think comes in as the top guy.
Mike Goodson, I think, is the best third-string running back in the league, and Tyrell Sutton (5.6 yards per carry the last two years) might be the best No. 4 if you want to go down that far.
Toss in a decent enough offensive line, and I think the Panthers are candidates to run for 160-plus yards per game.
Considering that Newton is painfully raw as a passer, this could be a rare team that runs for more yards than it passes. I’m guessing that it will also score more touchdowns rushing than passing.
Below is the list of teams that have gained more yards on the ground than through the air since the league went to a 16-game schedule. It’s happened only four times in the last 25 years.
TEAMS FINISHING WITH MORE YARDS RUSHING THAN PASSING, 1978-
Yds P Yds R TDP-TDR Year Team
2032 2986 7-19 1978 Kansas City
2382 2864 16-16 1984 Los Angeles Rams
1953 2316 7-18 1979 Kansas City Chiefs
2221 2526 7-19 1978 Chicago Bears
2695 2974 14-22 1984 Chicago Bears
2682 2939 21-9 2006 Atlanta Falcons
2596 2756 12-21 2009 New York Jets
3006 3165 15-30 1978 New England Patriots
2517 2669 16-18 2003 Baltimore Ravens
2219 2314 6-13 2000 Cincinnati Bengals
2494 2571 17-24 1979 Houston Oilers
2380 2457 15-16 1986 Los Angeles Rams
2429 2486 16-17 1979 Chicago Bears
2663 2695 12-10 1983 Baltimore Colts
2473 2476 16-19 1978 Houston Oilers
—Ian Allan
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Posted by Brian Grzybowski | May. 08 at 05:22 AM
I follow your logic but a few caveats: It possible that the Panthers will be favored in only one game all year. And that's a maybe. Absolutely nobody is going to be concerned with having to defend the pass against Clausen or Newton meaning a stacked box on every down. I get the feeling that the Panthers will be playing from behind an awful lot which should translate into a lot of turnovers from poorly thrown balls. From a fantasy perspective, which of these running backs can provide serviceable numbers? Certainly this team will be running the ball a ton, but it's going to be a mess of a situation.
Posted by DAVID DIGREGORIO | May. 09 at 03:23 AM
I thin Vick is the best running QB in history. He is the quickest and fastest guy on the field.