Carolina Panthers: Ranking franchise Olympic podium players
By Tadhg Flynn
Gold Medalist: Christian McCaffrey, RB
A year in the NFL is a very long time, but no year has felt longer than the past 12 months. NFL media can have recency bias in its analysis and player rankings are most prone to this issue. The Carolina Panthers have one of the most talented players, without question, but there is a possibility injuries may have shrouded the fact.
There are not many players like Christian McCaffrey and he is set to burst back onto the scene in 2021. After suffering a number of unlucky injuries (shoulder, high ankle sprain, and quad) that kept him out for most of 2020, he is ready to remind the world just how good he is. None of the injuries suffered indicate that his play will be majorly affected and his return should scare opposition defenses.
The records he has already set are too numerous to mention. He ranks first in the NFL for scrimmage yards per game (114.1). He is the second player in history with 2,000+ scrimmage yards and 100+ receptions in a single season. He has recorded the single most receiving yards by a running back in Panthers history (1,005). He has the record for the most receiving touchdowns, first downs and receiving yards for a running back in NFL history.
The statistics are incredible to witness but the manner in which McCaffrey backs them up is the real show of class. He is involved all the time in offensive schemes. His first three seasons saw him record 926 touches, the second-highest total of any player in the NFL.
Not only is he on the field constantly, the dynamism and athleticism he displays strikes fear into opposition linebackers. The dual-threat McCaffrey provides means teams cannot discount him on receiving plays. On top of all his athleticism and intuition for the tactical side of the game, he has pace to burn. His speed alone can beat multiple defenders.
Next. Bold predictions for every NFL team in 2021. dark
After only managing three appearances in the 2020 NFL season, McCaffrey will be hungry to make an impact in the upcoming season. This should worry opposition defenses, especially in the suddenly competitive NFC South. McCaffrey is this team’s “Gold Medal” player and fans should expect him to return with a vengeance.