Maybe I'm just simple, but you have to establish the run at the beginning of the game. Then it opens up your QB to RPO plays and is why you see a lot of teams start out run heavy, then start mixing in passes. When you start out doing 3 and outs with all passes, it sets a tone, and not a good one. Everyone knows you are going to start out running with CMC on the team, but you still do it.
Panthers with CMC, first 10 plays - 3 were runs, 3 drives, all punts.
You have a new QB, and some old team energy going, you have to set the tone with some smash mouth football. - Just my 2 cents.