Evaluating the Panthers offense and how they can win in Week 2
By Josh Linares
Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers RB
- 23 carries, 97 rushing yards, two touchdowns
- Three receptions, 38 receiving yards
Christian McCaffrey had a lot of expectations coming into this season following his dominant and legendary 2019 campaign where the running back broke multiple records in rushing and receiving.
He lived up to the expectations in Week 1 despite a small workload in the first half. McCaffrey showed he can still run between the tackles and make plays in open space.
McCaffrey may not be the biggest back but he is one of the toughest in the league. He showed that when Raiders defenders would try and lay big hits on him without wrapping up and the player just shook them off.
This week is going to be different for McCaffrey. He is still going to get a lot of carries because when he has the ball there is always a chance the former first-round pick can break it for a long touchdown.
The Buccaneers had the best-run defense in the league last year and they did a good job against the New Orleans Saints in their season opener. McCaffrey is going to have to make the most out of each carry and will also have to step up in pass protection.
Tampa Bay are going to throw everything at the offensive line and McCaffrey is going to have to step up and block anyone who breaks through when he is not running a route.
As for the passing game, expect to see the new face of the franchise catching the ball a lot out of the backfield. Teddy Bridgewater is going to have to get the ball out quickly and McCaffrey will be in the flat or doing checks and releases to give his quarterback an extra option if he can’t find anyone downfield.
If McCaffrey is able to get the running game that will be huge for the offense and could open things up. Either way, expect the former Stanford star to have a much bigger role in this week’s game.