Every NFL team's greatest rushing season of all time

Every NFL team’s greatest rushing season of all time

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 23: Running back Eric Dickerson #29 of the Los Angeles Rams runs with the football during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals as rain falls at Riverfront Stadium on September 23, 1984 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Rams defeated the Bengals 24-14. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

5 of 32

CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 5: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers goes in for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium on October 5, 2008 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers defeated the Chiefs 34-0. (Photo by Rex Brown/Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers: DeAngelo Williams (2008)

In 2009, running backs Jonathan Stewart (1,133) and DeAngelo Williams (1,117) each ran for at least 1,000 yards in the same season. All told, it’s a feat that has only happened seven times in league history. Both Williams (2006) and Stewart (2008) were first-round picks by the Panthers in a span of three years.

In 2008, Williams was in his third NFL season and was the focal point of the Carolina running game. The former University of Memphis standout put up so-so numbers in his first two years in the league, totaling a combined 265 carries for 1,218 yards and five scores in a total of 29 contests.

That all changed in ‘08 when he was part of a team that finished 12-4 and won the NFC South under head coach John Fox. Williams started all 16 games and finished with 273 attempts for a team-record 1,515 yards and a league-high 18 touchdowns. He also led the league with 20 total TDs.

Unfortunately for Fox and the Panthers, Williams’ big year and the club’s dozen victories didn’t mean much come playoff time. The team hosted the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Divisional Playoffs and the productive running back was kept in check. He finished with just 63 yards on 12 carries in a 33-13 loss.

Next: Chicago Bears

Home/NFL