David Newton, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Top moments that defined the Panthers in 2014: No. 4

Next on my list of top moments that defined the Carolina Panthers in 2014 is an injury that actually had a positive impact on the season.

  • No. 4: Williams breaks hand

  • Date and place: Nov. 30, TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • The moment: Starting running back DeAngelo Williams broke a bone in his right hand late in the first half of a 31-13 loss at Minnesota that extended Carolina’s losing streak to six straight.

  • Why it was so significant: The injury opened the door for Jonathan Stewart to become the starter. Stewart finished the Minnesota game with 85 yards on 12 carries. He was the NFL’s second-leading rusher behind Dallas' DeMarco Murray over the last five weeks of the regular season, and the Panthers won their final four after he became the starter. Stewart added another 123 yards rushing on 24 carries in an NFC wild card playoff win against Arizona. With Stewart averaging about 20 carries a game, something that wasn’t going to happen splitting carries with Williams, the Panthers finally displayed the balance on offense that was key to a 5-1 finish. He clearly established himself as the lead back heading into 2015.

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