David Newton, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Panthers' foes still respecting run game

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera admits opponents might not respect the running of Cam Newton as much as they have the past three seasons with the quarterback continuing to recover from injuries.

But Rivera has no doubt opponents still respect Carolina's running game.

“You look at the last game we played and they had nine [players] in the box, eight in the box a lot," said Rivera, referring to Sunday's 24-7 victory over Detroit. "They respect the run game."

Tampa Bay also loaded up to stop the run in the opener, a 20-14 Carolina victory in which the Panthers played without Newton, who was sidelined with fractured ribs.

That, in part, explains why the running game has struggled. Carolina is averaging 87.5 yards in two games, compared to 126.6 yards a game last season.

Leading rusher DeAngelo Williams sat out the Detroit game with a hamstring injury and is questionable for Sunday night's game against Pittsburgh, and that also is a factor.

There also has been a lack of communication up front.

Then there's Newton. His four rushes -- including one kneel-down -- for 19 yards against Detroit tied a career low.

Newton averaged 5.8 carries and 42.3 yards per game the last three seasons. His 2,032 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns in the past three seasons are by far the most of any NFL quarterback.

With Williams and running back/fullback Mike Tolbert (chest contusion) banged up, there might be more of a temptation for Newton to run against a Pittsburgh defense that is surrendering 170 yards rushing a game.

Don't be surprised if the Panthers turn the quarterback loose more than they did against Detroit. Newton looked as healthy as he has in months on Friday, not wearing the flak jacket during a practice in shorts.

"I never go into a game trying to force the issue," Newton said. "My main focus is always take what the defense gives me. If it's a scramble, I'm going to take it. If it's a run that coach calls, I'm going to take it. Trying to execute this offense as best as I can."

As good as Newton looked Friday, Rivera doesn't believe his quarterback will feel 100 percent until sometime in February, after the season is over, because of the pounding he'll take.

Coming into the season, Newton had been hit more than twice as many times (467) as any other quarterback the past three years.

Newton remains adamant he won't change his style and slide instead of diving forward for extra yardage. He didn't slide against Detroit.

"The bigger issue is me staying healthy, staying away from big hits, as I always have," Newton said. "When that's all the defense gives me, get down and get down fast."

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