Sep 13, 2012
Jonathan Stewart was a full participant in today’s Panthers practice, news that the run oriented offense needed. In Stewart’s absence, Carolina rushed 13 times for 10 yards against an average at best Bucs run defense. Can you name the Panthers leading rusher in week one?
The ink is still wet on Stewart’s 5 year extension, and the fact that he is “progressing nicely”, should encourage Stewart’s fantasy owners. We’ve seen athletic QB’s (see Vick, Mike) miss considerable time due to their reckless style, leading me to believe that Carolina will not employ Cam Newton as their goal line back this season. This isn’t an elite passing team, and with Stewart’s ability to not only catch the ball out of the backfield but to find the endzone, he is only RB to own in Carolina.
That being said, I am not touching any of the Panthers RB’s this week. They square off against a motivated Saints team that will be determined to make this game a shootout. But if you’re in a tough spot, Stewart is “optimistic” about his chances to play, and should be the player from this backfield to produce the most.
For those scoring at home, Kealoha Pilares led the Panthers in rushing against Tampa Bay. He is a 3rd year WR from Hawaii.
