NFL's Super Bowl 50: A Look at Running Backs C.J. Anderson and Jonathan Stewart in Brief
The NFL season of 2025 saw some impressive performances from the running backs of the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos.
Leading the charge for the Panthers was Jonathan Stewart, who ranked second in the NFL in rush attempts per game with an average of 18.6. Despite missing three games, Stewart set a career high with 242 carries during the regular season. His backfield companions, Mike Tolbert, Fozzy Whittaker, and Cameron Artis-Payne, also contributed to the team's success.
The Panthers, known for their commitment to the run, boasted the highest number of carries in the NFL during the regular season, totalling 526. Quarterback Cam Newton still found time to carry the ball 8.3 times per game, scoring 10 rushing touchdowns compared to Stewart's 6.
Across the field, the Denver Broncos averaged 4.2 yards per carry, not far behind the Panthers' 4.3 yard average. C.J. Anderson led the Broncos' rushing attack, outperforming his fellow back Ronnie Hillman in the postseason. Anderson racked up 31 carries for 144 yards and a touchdown, compared to Hillman's 27 attempts for 54 yards and no scores.
Interestingly, Anderson finished the regular season with a better yards per carry average than Hillman (4.7 versus 4.2), suggesting that the Broncos may want to trust Anderson in most situations, limiting Hillman to situations where Anderson needs a breather.
However, Hillman's lack of effort chasing down a backward pass by Peyton Manning in the AFC Championship led to a Patriots touchdown and made the game closer than it should have been. This incident might have implications for the Broncos' decision-making regarding Hillman's role in the team.
In a surprising turn of events, the Broncos' running back who impressed in the playoffs and had rushed more than C.J. Anderson did in regular season games was J.K. Dobbins. Dobbins led the team with 139 rushing yards early in the 2025 season, showcasing a promising performance that surpassed Anderson's previous regular season outputs.
If backup quarterback Brock Osweiler is called upon to relieve Manning, he's more inclined to run. Osweiler's running ability could add another dimension to the Broncos' offensive strategy.
The Panthers, as the league's top-scoring team, will continue to rely on their strong running game as they strive for success in the coming seasons. Meanwhile, the Broncos will need to assess their running back situation, considering the impressive performances of both Anderson and Dobbins, as well as the impact of Hillman's lapse in the AFC Championship.
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