Carolina Panthers: Why the offense will thrive in 2020
By John Ellis
Running back and wide receiver
Christian McCaffrey is only the third player in league history to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season. He also accounted for 19 touchdowns in 2019 after which he was rewarded with a new four-year, $64 million contract.
McCaffrey is the dual-threat that offensive coaches dream of and defensive coaches lose sleep over. His speed, vision and the ability to make people miss while still having the strength to run between the tackles makes him one of if not the most talented backs in the NFL.
On the outside in Joe Brady’s three-wide receiver set is a trio of playmakers that will excel and make it difficult to double cover any one of them. This has the potential to be especially productive given the focus opposing defenses give McCaffrey.
The first of the three is the Maryland product, D.J. Moore, who finished 2019 with 87 receptions for 1,175 yards, and four touchdowns. His speed, strength and the ability to gain yards after the catch make him almost impossible to stop in a one-on-one situation.
Curtis Samuel is a speedster that achieved 627 receiving yards on 54 receptions last season. This resulted in six touchdowns. The player also added a rushing touchdown from 130 rushing yards on 19 carries.
Samuel will most likely play the slot receiver position in 2020 and asking a third cornerback to cover him could result in an increase in production providing he is still on the roster.
The high-profile arrival of Robby Anderson from the New York Jets is another welcome addition. The former Temple Owl is reuniting with his college coach Rhule after signing a two-year, $20 million contract. This 6-foot-3 burner finished 2019 with 52 receptions for 779 yards, and five touchdowns.