Panthers Expect Much From Rookie

The Carolina Panthers are not in the business of slowly bringing their rookies along, at least not in 2008.  Indeed, according to coach John Fox, first round running back Johnathan Stewart is expected to cover kick return duties immediately, and may also be able to snag the starting running back job from DeAngelo Williams.  The Panthers have been abysmal in terms of kick return yardage lately, but Stewart should help that immediately.  He could also offer a compliment to Williams in the backfield, but I think talk of him stealing the feature back spot are mostly rhetoric.

The Panthers need to be a driven team next season.  By telling Williams that he has to earn his starting spot, they can be sure the veteran back does not rest on his laurels.  However, I don’t believe the Panthers would legitimately ask Williams to play second fiddle to a rookie after he has been so patient in waiting for his time to come in Carolina.  Such a move could be absolutely caustic, and I don’t believe John Fox would ever do something quite that shortsighted.  However, I do expect Stewart to get some carries and do some damage.  He’s a great talent, but I don’t think he’ll be the feature back in year one.

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