Christian McCaffrey: Comparisons with 3 all-time greats
By Dean Jones
Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders is one of the most dynamic running backs to ever step foot on an NFL field. The player displayed to sort of speed and elusiveness that was almost impossible to stop.
He revolutionised the importance of the position and was one of the first to add an element of pass-catching to an area of the field that was often overlooked in this capacity. Sanders remains the benchmark for elite production and someone that Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey draws some comparisons with.
Their style of running is very similar. Both possess a rare ability to make opposing defenders miss in the tightest of spots. They are also adept of making something out of nothing to gain vital yards down the field.
McCaffrey has some way to go in order to emulate the outstanding rushing numbers put up by Sanders before he eventually cut his career short. The former Detroit Lion ended with 15,269 rushing yards, 99 touchdowns, 2,921 receiving yards, and ten receiving touchdowns.
If the Panthers star wants to be compared with the likes of Sanders when his career comes to an end. He is going to need to remain consistent and avoid injury to maximise his capability on the field.
There is no telling the sort of lofty stats Sanders might have ended up with had he played on a few more seasons. He remains the benchmark and someone McCaffrey should aspire to emulate in the coming years with the Carolina Panthers.