Panthers claim first-ever NFC South title; lose HB Johnathan Stewart for post-season

by Crimsion | 8 years ago | 1 Comments

For the first time in SFL history the Carolina Panthers have captured the NFC South and were crowned division champions with their 36-31 victory over the Detroit Lions in Week 16. 

The Panthers have been living in the shadow of the Atlanta Falcons for as long as they can remember, but the 2017-18 campaign has been one for the ages. For the first time in 8 weeks the Panthers were at full force when it came to their offence, both Johnathan Stewart and Kelvin Benjamin made their returns this week.

For Benjamin, this week's performance was a sight for sore eyes, a struggling offence was given a kick start via the now 26-year old. Cam Newton looked to his favourite target early and often, Benjamin was able to haul in a total of 12 catches in his return, totaling 195 yards and finding the endzone twice.

With the good comes the bad as the saying goes and the clinching of the NFC South was no different. Carolina was able to get their workhorse Johnathan Stewart back onto the field this week, he carried the rock 16 times for 52 yards before his early exit. The Oregon product will miss the remainder of the season and the post-season with a pair of broken ribs. This news is unfortunate to both the Panthers and Stewart as the two will be heading into the off-season with no contract on the table.

Rookie running-back Kevin Barnard will once again be the starter moving forward with Terrance West expected to take on an expanded role this time around. Barnard shouldered the load during Stewart's first absence and was unable to impress.

Carolina may be without their veteran lead in the backfield, but will still have the likes of Newton and Benjamin to carry the load. The Panthers have faired well enough without Stewart and will need to continue to do so in order to attempt to capture their first SFL Title.