3 ambitious goals for Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey in 2020
By Dean Jones
1,500 rushing yards
Christian McCaffrey is the best dual-threat running back in the NFL. He has a rare ability to break off big plays at will. And he commands the highest respect from opposing defenses on every down.
The player has already achieved some lofty numbers during his first three years in the NFL. And there is nothing to suggest a downward curve is coming anytime soon.
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McCaffrey has achieved plenty so far. But reaching the 1,500-yard rushing mark is not one of them. He was close in 2019 with 1,387. And this is something he should consider as a realistic target next season.
Much will depend on how the Carolina Panthers’ new-look offensive line holds up with no preseason games to develop chemistry. But if they can provide consistent running lanes for McCaffrey, then it is something that is going to benefit the team considerably.
Teams will continue to stack the box to prevent the level of impact McCaffrey makes on a game. But with so many potent passing weapons for Teddy Bridgewater to call upon, it could free up space that simply was not there at any stage last year.
Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans was the only running back to reach 1,500-yards last season. Cleveland Browns’ stud Nick Chubb came within six yards of this feat, which is considered the gold standard for only the truly elite players at the position.
McCaffrey falls into that category in no uncertain terms. And he should not be far away from a milestone that has evaded him so far.