Panthers' running game poses problem for Jets
Photo credit: AP Photo | Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams drags Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib for yardage during the first half on Oct. 18, 2009.
They're struggling and out of serious playoff contention, putting their coach on the proverbial hot seat. Their quarterback has the NFL's fifth-worst rating and is a turnover machine, something that soon could very well spell an end to his days in the Queen City.
But even with all that, there's still one thing the Panthers do about as well as anyone in the league: pound the ball down their opponent's throat.
"It's a mentality to run the football, and that's what they are going to hang their hat on," Jets safety Jim Leonhard said. "They are going to beat you being physical and you know they are going to run the ball, but they are still going to run it. It's just that mentality. It's definitely where our focus has to be this week. We can't worry about anything else than stopping the run and eliminating big plays."
Carolina (4-6) boasts one of the best 1-2 backfield punches with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. The Panthers are ranked third in the NFL in rushing with 1,591 yards, and their 159.1 average trails only the Titans (168.4) and Jets (163.5).
"They're No. 3 for a reason," defensive end Marques Douglas said. "When you look at them up front, they're big, they're physical, they love blocking for their running back. They work well together. They are going to run first, run second. They are doing some creative things; nothing that we haven't seen before, but at the same time, they're impressive."
Despite topping 100 yards in only four of the Panthers' 10 games, the 5-9, 217-pound Williams is fourth in the league in rushing with 982 yards and seven touchdowns. He is averaging 5.4 yards per carry, partly because of his great vision and ankle-breaking cutback moves.
Add Williams' gaudy numbers to those of Stewart - who has deceptive speed, although the 5-10, 235-pounder is considered more of a downhill runner - and the dynamic duo has totaled 1,491 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The speedy Williams has run for at least 150 yards twice this season. The Panthers prefer to ride his coattails and their potent rushing attack rather than the arm of turnover-prone quarterback Jake Delhomme, who has thrown 14 interceptions and has lost half of his six fumbles.
"I think that's kind of how this team is built," Delhomme said. "That's the way John [Fox] wants this team built - to run the football, solid special teams and defense, and more of a play-action passing game.
"Our two running backs have really done a good job running. DeAngelo last year really came on and we always felt he was extremely talented. It's just that we gave him an extra opportunity to showcase that with some help up front starting last year."
The Jets (4-6), who have the 16th-ranked rushing defense, are wary of Williams and Stewart showcasing their talents, knowing just how long a day it could be if they can't thwart a ground game that's averaging 182 yards during the Panthers' last four contests.
"If you let them run the ball, they are more than happy just pounding it out the entire game," Leonhard said. "That's obviously where our focus has to be."
Notes & quotes: CBs Dwight Lowery (ankle) and Donald Strickland (concussion) each missed his second straight practice Thursday, continuing to make it unlikely that either will play against Carolina.
