Panthers look to get ground game going

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One way for the Carolina Panthers to re-ignite their offense could be returning to a more physical mindset. That’s part of the formula for head coach Ron Rivera.

Some of that is dependent on being able to run the ball effectively, something severely lacking in recent weeks.

Rivera said the snags on offense have come for a variety of reasons, though some of the blocking failures that existed a couple of weeks back appeared to be upgraded against Chicago.

Now it’s a matter of getting more out of their production when they visit Tampa Bay. It will be Carolina’s fourth road game during a five-game stretch.

Rivera refused to cast blame on offensive coordinator Mike Shula, who has come under some scrutiny. Rivera said certain situations, such as trailing for long stretches, is going to dictate the play selections.

“Part of it is we’re still trying to run the football,” Rivera said. “When you have three-receiver sets, it’s tough to be a physical team. You get away from it.”

So look for there to be yet another effort to spark the rushing attack.

Rivera has referred to the flow of the game as directing some of the decisions for the offense.

“I’m happy with what we’re doing,” Rivera said. “Again, just watch the game and see what’s happening.”

Rivera said taking more shots deep down the field could loosen up other areas, but that won’t necessarily solve all the issues unless the Panthers prove they can move the ball on the ground.

Jonathan Stewart and rookie Christian McCaffrey were touted prior to the season by the team as being the ideal 1-2 punch in the backfield. That has yet to prove to be the case, but the Panthers are determined to keep on trying with it.

“I think it’s just a matter of time,” Rivera said. “We have a good combination with (McCaffrey) and Jonathan. Flow of the game dictates a lot.”

The Panthers (4-3) have their first two-game losing skid of the season. Yet in the NFC South, they could be back in first place after another weekend of games.

The matchup with the Buccaneers is a divisional game, so there’s added importance.

“It’s how we react as a football team to what’s going on,” Rivera said. “I think now this will be a good test. We’re going to have to react to see if we are where we should be.”

SERIES HISTORY: 34th regular-season meeting. Panthers lead series 20-13. Tampa Bay won both meetings last season.

–The Panthers could have linebacker Luke Kuechly and safety Kurt Coleman back for the game at Tampa Bay.

On Wednesday, Kuechly went through practice with the team, though he has to clear the final step in the concussion protocol in order to play this weekend. He suffered his latest injury Oct. 12.

Coleman missed three games, with the Panthers going 1-2 in those games. He seems further along in the process toward returning than Kuechly.

“You’d like to just think that having (Coleman) back there directing things would make a difference,” head coach Ron Rivera said of the secondary.

Rivera said it has hurt having two of the defensive leaders out at the same time.

–The Panthers might have to tone down some of their offense until more of the young players are up to speed.

That could include speedy wide receiver Curtis Samuel, a rookie.

“He’s still developing in that role,” head coach Ron Rivera said. “Another concern is are we asking too much of him too soon? … Just trying to find a niche for him, we may be stressing him a lot. There’s a lot to learn.”

Samuel has done some good things when healthy for the Panthers, but he also has been involved in a few head-scratching plays. One of those resulted in a fumble returned for a touchdown last week by Chicago.

Rivera said the pitch from quarterback Cam Newton to Samuel should have been caught.

Overall with newcomers, the coaching staff will reassess how they’re used in certain situations.

“We have to look at some things in terms of our personal groupings,” Rivera said.

NOTES: K Graham Gano has been consistent this season and he won one kicking battle already this season in the preseason. But when he showed up on the injury report prior to the Chicago game, that caused the Panthers to be ready with a tryout for kickers just in case. Roberto Aguayo was signed to the practice squad. … RB Christian McCaffrey has 59 catches through the first seven games. That’s the most for a Carolina player through seven games of a season in team history. … LB Shaq Thompson called the defensive signals against Chicago with LB Luke Kuechly out with a concussion. … WR Kaelin Clay was claimed off waivers from the Buffalo Bills. He was with the Panthers during training camp prior to a trade to the Bills.