Carolina Panthers hungry for road win at Detroit Lions

Multiple threats should include red zone ‘Ups’

Without too much regret, the Panthers cut early free agent signee C.J. Anderson this week, which will end most discussions about when he’d get to produce, and that’s a direct result of how much the Panthers utilize ‘The Weapon called Christian McCaffrey‘, who’s already topped his rookie totals for rushing and been on the field an almost frightening 97-percent of the offensive snaps. To paraphrase Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield, *everybody* wakes up feeling (CMC) is dangerous, and he was one of the few Panthers who produced as expected against the Steelers, despite Newton’s 23 for 29 effort with two touchdowns an interception and 109.3 rating.

Of all the tricks in offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s playbook- turning Newton into a high percentage passer has to count- the Panthers still haven’t utilized Devin Funchess‘ superior physical size in the way that Lion fans will remember Calvin Johnson (731 catches in a nine year career). Both Funchess and the steadily proving himself because he’s getting used more D.J. Moore have noted ability in the air, but thus far, while Newton has utilized check down passes to McCaffrey, putting some air under his throws and letting them go get it, has been a no-show event. (Okay, Funchess went over the top against the Redskins, but that was stealing an under-thrown ball, not intentional.)

It’s hard to believe that play hasn’t occurred as a weapon, and while Moore’s lone touchdown went for 51 yards, that was a catch-run play, nothing like running underneath a rainbow throw every quarterback in the league can make, or turning defensive backs into victims with his 39-inch vertical jump.