Carolina Panthers: Norv Turner could unleash Christian McCaffrey

The Carolina Panthers could have a very scary weapon out of the backfield..

For those hoping the Carolina Panthers will utilize Christian McCaffrey the right way in Norv Turner’s offense, you may get your wish.

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Friday Stephen Igoe of 247Sports wrote a piece detailing how McCaffrey’s role in Turner’s offense might change compared to last year under Mike Shula. As Igoe states, McCaffrey caught 80 passes. However, he would often receive them for short gains as he was often met by a swarming defense. In short, he received quantity over quality. However, that may change.

"It was almost as if Shula didn’t really know how to use a player of his skill-set properly. In comes Turner, who’s excelled both with players who do the majority of their damage in space (see: Darren Sproles) while also utilizing the abilities of players who can run between and outside the tackles. McCaffrey can obviously do some running up the middle, but it’s also not his strength. The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder is more of a game breaker with his speed and shiftiness. He needs the ball in space and he needs a lot more touches, period."

This I can certainly agree with. McCaffrey should be able to do a lot more damage in open space. If you can get him in open space, he is at the mercy of a linebacker or a safety. Generally, those two positions cannot outrun a speedy halfback. In turn, those are great matchups for a guy like McCaffrey. What Cam Newton needs to do is not only get the ball in space, but make a quick enough read to allow McCaffrey to catch the ball, step, and go one-on-one with defenders. Instead of Newton trying to make the big play, he will have to leave it up to his star running back.

Due to his size, his ceiling may be an elite pass-catcher, so it may be wise for him to perfect this particular skill.

I know a lot of this is easier said than done. However, it should be at least attempted. McCaffrey is the type of playmaker that once he gets going, he is very difficult to stop. Just ask any PAC-12 opponent.

Next: Safety Da’Norris Searcy recognized by ESPN

If that happens, Norv Turner could successfully help the former Stanford star avoid the sophomore slump.

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