The Carolina Panthers have a lot to be discouraged with so far this 2012 season. Most notably their awful record of 2-7. During the season, we have witnessed several variations on this year’s team and how they have been running their offense.

Carolina, who has benefitted of having some RBs in its teams history like Stephen Davis, and DeShaun Foster both quality backs, are at present ranked 16th in rushing this season in the NFL. Frustration has to be setting in for the RBs in Carolina, particularly the Panthers all time leading rusher, DeAngelo Williams.

What has happened to the team’s offensive direction? It has certainly gotten very far away from moving the ball on the ground it looks like. The offensive line in Carolina certainly has been suspect, as has been the decision making of Cam Newton. Newton has some weapons on the team, with Smith, LaFell and obviously Stewart and Williams, what’s going on?

In 2011 the Panthers ranked 3rd in the NFL in rushing the ball, 836 YDs from Williams, 761 from Stewart and 706 from Newton. The Panthers need very much to get back to moving the ball on the ground with their running backs as their principal source of ground yardage to succeed, without question.

Put some much needed emphasis on the running game from the backs, not the quarterback running the ball. His scampering out of the pocket talent is only going to take him so far.

Opportunity hasn’t come for awhile for DeAngelo Williams. The trade deadline came and went, and Williams sits, still, with his career 5.0/avg and 41 TDs, yet only getting 8 carries/game in 2012. When he was getting 16+ carries/game he more than produced. The Panthers are not making any advancement by keeping him watching the game.

Going with the 2 back scheme that the Panthers are fond of, Jonathon Stewart's carries allowed the miles to stay moderately small on Williams' treads. While it is been proven that each back is capable of rushing for 1000+ yards, Williams in 08 and 09, and Stewart also in 09 had 1133 YDs. Is it possible to have 2 effective RBs on team? I favor a RB1 to get 20-25 carries/game. Could Williams become the beast he once was? If he gets the carries and some O-line help, he just may well be able to.

Should one be the starter? And if so, who? Stewart has more worth of course, with age creeping up on Williams. After Carolina signed DeAngelo to his 5-year, $43.5 million contract, he has become less of an option on the team, which makes no sense to me.

The Panthers determined they were not trading anybody. So they decided to pay him that salary and then not play him, dreadful managing skills from high office. At 29 years old, the time left on his contract would be tough to eat, but I am certain there are numerous teams that would be willing to take him. Arizona, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Detroit and Green Bay could all use an upgrade in their backfield, and he would be a fine add for anyone of them.

Williams is a rock solid running back, who would have trade value for numerous teams. But until offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski figures something out as far as a running game, using actual running backs, pitifully, DeAngelo Williams will sit and rot on a team that lives and tries to live on their QB/RB.

Take pleasure in the athletic QB who can run if need be, but don’t forget about the running back that got your team 1500+ YDs and 18 TDs merely 4 years ago.

Written by Mike Anthony for VegasTopDogs.com