3 ways the Panthers can win without Christian McCaffrey

Carolina Panthers: Option No. 3 – Using Curtis Samuel in the backfield more

If the Carolina Panthers fall into their worst-case scenario regarding Christian McCaffrey in 2020. Then the franchise will have to get creative in his absence.

One enticing element they have the option to use with or without McCaffrey is putting Curtis Samuel in the backfield more. The player was a dual-threat prospect coming out of college following a standout career at Ohio State. And he has a rare ability to make things happen with the ball in his hands.

This is something the Panthers have done on occasions since drafting the player. Samuel has carried the ball 31 times for 278 yards and three touchdowns during his time with the franchise. This also includes a hugely impressive yards-per-carry average of 9.0.

Samuel is an explosive wideout who is looking for a multi-year extension this season. He is playing on the last year of his rookie deal. And if he can be more influential in Joe Brady’s offense it is going to leave the Panthers with no other option other than to give him what he is looking for.

Putting Samuel in the backfield in the event McCaffrey is injured has huge potential. He can be used as a back on the outside, provide a pass-catching presence, and can also be an extremely useful decoy.

This is something that Brady should utilize more even if McCaffrey stays ultra-durable. Samuel is extremely elusive and the more time he spends with the ball in his hands, the better.