Christian McCaffrey revolutionized Carolina Panthers running back position
Running back Christian McCaffrey has changed the Carolina Panthers offense.
When the Carolina Panthers drafted running back Christian McCaffrey out of Stanford two seasons ago, many were surprised by the selection. Needing a versatile weapon on offense to assist quarterback Cam Newton, it was no surprise a running back was chosen but that McCaffrey warranted a top-10 (No. 8 overall) pick was questionable.
Fast forward two seasons and you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone critical of the selection. All McCaffrey has done since entering the league is set records and revolutionize the running back position for the Panthers. A team once built on a solid power run game just had their primary back lead the team in receptions – by more than 50.
Rookie wide receiver D.J. Moore finished second to McCaffrey with 55 catches of his own while the Carolina running back tallied 107 receptions. Not only was McCaffrey effective through the air, on the ground he still accumulated over 1,000 yards rushing to become only the third player in NFL history to eclipse both the 100 and 1,000 yard totals, respectively.
More from Cat Crave
- Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023
- 4 remaining Carolina Panthers cap crunches after Damien Wilson release
- Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
- How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?
- 4 Panthers rumors to emerge from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
Recently named an All Pro for his efforts, McCaffrey was selected as a second team flex option, a prestigious honor. His father, Ed McCaffrey, who played 13 years in the NFL as a wide receiver was awarded just one, second team distinction (1998) during his entire career but he did win three Super Bowl titles.
Under offensive coordinator Norv Turner, McCaffrey flourished as a check down option and route runner out of the backfield. Turner seemed to tap into the effectiveness of McCaffrey as the team put all of their faith in his abilities with a midyear release of C.J. Anderson.
Brought in last offseason as the prototypical style power back of Panthers past, Anderson was waived in favor of relying on McCaffrey to carry the load. A task and situation that he thrived in throughout the entire year.
Next. Possible Future Hall of Fame Inductees. dark
Although a disappointing second half marred the Panthers season, there remains a bright hope for the running back position and McCaffrey moving into the future.