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          Only stat Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart is concerned with is 12-0

          • David Newton, ESPN Staff WriterDec 11, 2015, 06:45 PM
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              David Newton is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the Carolina Panthers. Newton began covering Carolina in 1995 and came to ESPN in 2006 as a NASCAR reporter before joining NFL Nation in 2013. You can follow Newton on Twitter at @DNewtonespn.
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          CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart may break the mold in an era when many athletes get caught up in individual statistics.

          “Hey, man, dare to be different,’’ Stewart said.

          Stewart needs 87 yards on Sunday against Atlanta to reach 1,000 yards for the second time in his career. He’s only 219 yards shy of his 2009 personal best of 1,133 yards.

          Asked if this is his best season, Stewart responded: “We’re 12-0.’’

          Stewart also is approaching the NFL record for consecutive games with 20 or more carries. He has eight straight, the longest active streak in the league since Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch had that many in 2011.

          He’s only six away from the longest streak (14) since the 1970 merger, set by Denver’s Terrell Davis in 1997.

          But is Stewart worried about cutting back his carries, as coach Ron Rivera has suggested he wants to do so the league’s third-leading rusher will be fresh for the playoffs?

          “I’m concerned about winning football games,’’ Stewart said. “I’m not worried about that. . . . All year coach has done a good job of keeping us fresh.’’

          It’s doubtful Stewart will reach Davis’ record that ended with Davis winning the Super Bowl MVP in a victory over Green Bay. Rivera continues to look for ways to cut back on Stewart’s carries without sacrificing the chance to win.

          “I’m talking to the coaches, trying to get their input on certain players, because we have to be smart,” Rivera said.

          If and when Stewart gets a break, rookie Cameron Artis-Payne is the top candidate to pick up the carries. The SEC’s leading rusher last season has been inactive the past five games and hasn’t had a carry in the last six.

          He can’t wait to get on the field.

          “I’m ready,’’ Artis-Payne said. “But I hope Stew continues to have a great season. . . . I’m happy for my teammates. As a team we’re doing well, and that’s all I’m focused on.

          “I’m a rookie, so hopefully I have a lot of time left in this league.’’