Panthers coach: Cam Newton cannot be our top runner

The Carolina Panthers spectacularly slipped from a 15-1 outfit to a 6-10 team in 2016. While the wins dried up, so did the offense, as it fell from 11th to 19th overall.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera was a guest on ESPN Thursday, and he hinted at changes to the team's offensive philosophy.

"Our top runner cannot be our quarterback," he said, referring to 2015 MVP Cam Newton.

Rivera added that he may implement more two-running back sets or add a tight end more frequently.

Newton didn't lead the team in rushing, but Rivera's overall point is valid. The franchise quarterback ran the ball 90 times and took a multitude of physical blows over the course of the season. The Panthers' success is tied to the health and performance of their star quarterback. Therefore, they need him on the field as much as possible. Newton missed a game early in the season with a concussion.