NFC South: Biggest question for each team in 2020
Carolina Panthers: Will Christian McCaffrey be counted on to carry the offense?
It almost sounds like a question given what the versatile performer managed to do in his third NFL season. But running back Christian McCaffrey will not begin his fourth NFL campaign as he did the first three. That’s because Ron Rivera is now the head coach of the Washington Redskins. The new man at the controls in Charlotte is former Baylor University head coach Matt Rhule.
As for McCaffrey, his third NFL season proved to be the charm. He led the league in total yards from scrimmage (2,392) and scored 19 touchdowns, tied with Green Bay’s Aaron Jones for the most in the NFL.
He joined the 49ers’ Roger Craig (1985) and the Rams’ Marshall Faulk (1999) as the only players in league annals with 1,000-plus yards rushing and receiving the same season. His 116 receptions were a new NFL record for running backs.
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The Panthers have a trio of wideouts in D.J. Moore, Curtis Samuel and newcomer Robby Anderson (Jets) all capable of the big play. But McCaffrey not only gives Rhule but new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (Saints) a safety blanket in some ways and one more than capable of carrying a big load, especially as a receiver.