Realistic expectations for Christian McCaffrey in 2020

What are some realistic expectations for Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey in 2020?

Today marks Christian McCaffrey’s 24th birthday. It is hard to fathom the Carolina Panthers without their star running back despite the player entering only his fourth year in the NFL.

He is an indispensable member of the roster after bursting onto the scene as a rookie and never looking back. The Carolina Panthers can count themselves extremely fortunate they struck gold with someone like McCaffrey. And they were wise to tie the player down to his best years.

McCaffrey signed a four-year, $64 million deal with a $21 million signing bonus and a little over $38 million guaranteed to become the new face of the franchise. With the roster making wholesale changes during new head coach Matt Rhule’s initial few months at the helm. It was imperative they didn’t leave the former first-round pick with any uncertainty heading into the final year of his rookie deal.

The player became only the third in history to reach 1,000-yards rushing and receiving in the same season last year. This came from more than 400 touches as the Panthers bled McCaffrey dry thanks in no small part to some inept quarterback play.

Things promise to be far different from this perspective in 2020. Carolina’s decision-makers moved swiftly to bring in Teddy Bridgewater on a three-year, $63 million deal in free agency. And this is set to provide a level of consistency under center that was sorely lacking last term.

They also brought in offensive coordinator Joe Brady from LSU, which also has the potential to be a considerable boost. The highly thought of young coach masterminded the Tigers’ historic offensive performance last season on their way to a National Championship. And there is real hope his way of thinking can make a smooth transition to the pros.

All these components have the scope to make life a lot easier for McCaffrey. The pressure of carrying the load constantly will eventually take its toll on a player who has proved very durable throughout his NFL career to date. But running back is one of the most violent positions to play and it only takes one hit to potentially end a player’s career.

Taking some of the pressure off McCaffrey will do his chances of being productive for the longevity of his contract the world of good. This might mean his numbers will regress slightly. But it could be for the greater good.

What are realistic expectations for Christian McCaffrey with the Carolina Panthers in 2020?

There is little doubt that Christian McCaffrey is still going to be relied upon heavily to produce the goods. The Carolina Panthers are going through a period of transition and will need their star player firing on all cylinders from the off.

This becomes even more prevalent when one considers the lack of preparation time the Panthers’ new-look roster will have before competitive action gets underway. McCaffrey will be counted on to carry the ball plenty in the first few weeks as Bridgewater and their revamped offensive line familiarise themselves with one another.

The Panthers do have plenty of potent passing weapons, including McCaffrey. Their new offensive coordinator has developed a reputation for getting the ball downfield quickly. And this also has the potential to free-up space for their running back to work in.

While it might be asking too much of McCaffrey to go over 1,000-yards rushing and receiving again. Carolina might not need him to if other talented weapons step up and contribute.

There is little doubt McCaffrey will reach four-figures rushing. And somewhere in the region of 700 yards receiving would also aid the team’s cause considerably.

Others might feature more prominently. But the simple fact is the Panthers will only go as far as McCaffrey takes them.