Carolina Panthers: 4 most important players in 2020

Carolina Panthers: Player No. 1 – Christian McCaffrey

Let’s start with the most important player on the Carolina Panthers roster in 2020. Christian McCaffrey is the face of the franchise and there is a huge responsibility on his shoulders next season and beyond.

The running back is one of the most dynamic players in the NFL. He became only the third player to secure 1,000-yards rushing and receiving in 2019, further elevating his status as the league’s best dual-threat offensive weapon.

McCaffrey penned a four-year extension this offseason. And this will come with additional responsibility. The former first-round pick will shoulder a lot of the load once again during the season, which should be more prevalent early on whilst quarterback Teddy Bridgewater finds his feet under center.

While it might be asking too much for McCaffrey to take 400 combined touches or the similar stats next time around. There is nothing to suggest the player cannot improve further during what will be only his fourth year in the Panthers’ backfield.

Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Joe Brady will surely be keen to use McCaffrey in a variety of different ways throughout the season. This will work to the player’s strength in addition to keeping opposing defenses guessing.

McCaffrey is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He is a rare talent that will need to be at the very top of his game if the Panthers want to take anything from next season.