What It Means:

"The biggest thing, our realization is that our primary runner cannot be our quarterback," Rivera said. "We’ve got to get guys like Jonathan Stewart rolling. We’ve got to put it in our backs’ hands and get the ball to our playmakers." There had been some belief that the Panthers will release Stewart this offseason, but Rivera's comments seem to suggest otherwise. Even then, it wouldn't be surprising to see them bring someone else into the backfield.

Among the 42 running backs to top 100 carries this season, Stewart's Rushing Net Expected Points (NEP) per carry ranked 29th. He was 27th in Rushing Success Rate as well (the percent of rushing plays resulting in a positive NEP gain).