Panthers run game better since trade

It was almost inconceivable that the Panthers’ running game might improve after trading star running back Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers. Yet, that’s exactly what has happened. The Panthers have averaged 159.5 yards per game on the ground in the four games since McCaffrey was traded; it averaged 90.3 yards per game in the six games with him in the backfield. The Panthers have recommitted to the running game under interim coach Steve Wilks, and D’Onta Foreman, pictured, has proven to be the ideal back for the system — a tough, physical back who wears down opponents. Foreman has run for 389 yards and four touchdowns in the last four games, including three games with at least 118 yards. His only unproductive outing came against the Bengals when he was held to 23 yards on seven carries after the Panthers fell behind 35-0 at halftime. But the Panthers (3-7) bounced back Thursday night with a 25-15 win over the Falcons, amassing a season-high 232 yards rushing that kept them alive in the topsy-turvy NFC South. Foreman ran for 130 yards on 31 carries.