Can Carolina function in a one back set?

Now as we all know the Carolina Panthers have flourished with the dual back set that they run. With DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart the Panthers have found a successful formula as far as rushing the ball (not much in the air though). If the Panthers could ever have success passing the ball, with the domination on the ground they would find themselves back in the playoffs. The problem for the Panthers last season 1) No consistency at the quarterback position, when this happens and the quarterback is less than effective it stifles the running attack 2) Injuries to the running backs both Williams and Stewart battled injuries all season long and when that occurs it is difficult to find a rhythm 3) No threat down the field, of course Smith is a viable option but fact is there was not much else to stretch the field and when that is the case defense’s can stack the box against rushing game.

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More than Carolina’s rough season now they face free agency and possibly losing one of the two backs in DeAngelo Williams. The real question is do they have enough faith in Jonathan Stewart to think that he can carry the load all season long? Williams is still a young back but he has been labeled as injury prone and therefore Carolina could cut ties with him. This week the Panthers franchised their pro bowl center, leaving Williams free to test the waters of free agency, so they must feel that Stewart is ready to carry a full load. The Panthers are looking to rebuild after the horrible season last year and they now have Ron Rivera as the head coach, he was long time San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator. Rivera is looking to bring the hard nosed style of defense to Carolina and possibly using Stewart as the feature back in his offense.

In my opinion, Stewart can carry the load and I think he will be motivated as the number one back to take the field every game. If the Panthers plan on riding Stewart they must get another threat to stretch the field for him to have open running lanes. If Williams is out in Carolina, Stewart will struggle next season (if there is a season) as the Panthers will struggle but I believe he will adjust and he can be successful.

By Sam Adams
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer