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Carolina Panthers: Takeaways from Carolina vs. New Orleans

By Horran Cameron

Oct 16, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints kicker Wil Lutz (3) gestures after his 54-yard field goal with :16 seconds left against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints won 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints kicker Wil Lutz (3) gestures after his 54-yard field goal with :16 seconds left against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints won 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 16, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Jonathan Stewart is back, but can he stay healthy?

Jonathan Stewart was back in the Carolina Panthers’ lineup on Sunday against New Orleans. Stewart rushed 19 times for 85 yards and two touchdowns.

Stewart’s last game was the second game of the season against San Francisco on September 18, 2016. Carolina beat San Francisco 46-27 in this game. This is Carolina’s only victory this season thus far.

Although Stewart did not have a great game against San Francisco, he is Carolina’s best rusher. Although starting quarterback Cam Newton is capable of running the ball, it is not conducive for Newton to do so (i.e. the concussion he suffered against the Atlanta Falcons).

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Stewart’s presence alleviates the need to use Newton as a running back. Moreover, Stewart’s power style of running opens up the passing game for Newton.

Stewart’s health is vital to Carolina’s success. Making the playoffs corresponds to his availability. It is not a coincidence that Carolina’s only victory was the last time he played this season.

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