What to expect from the Panthers offense without Christian McCaffrey
By Josh Linares
The Carolina Panthers passing game
- D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, Curtis Samuel, Chris Manhertz, Ian Thomas
The Carolina Panthers passing attack has been very impressive in the first two weeks. Robby Anderson has gone over 100 yards in both games and D.J. Moore did the same last week.
Teddy Bridgewater has looked great and been patient with his throws. But this will be a big week for him now without the most reliable back in the league.
McCaffrey drew as much attention in the passing game as he did on running downs. Mike Davis will be available in the flat but the Chargers aren’t going to be as worried about him.
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Anderson has been making plays downfield all season and the Chargers are most likely going to have to help with their safeties over the top. This means that the Panthers need Moore and Curtis Samuel to make plays out of short and quick passes.
There is a chance that Anderson could be used more as a decoy like the Kansas City Chiefs has done with Tyreek Hill this season. Sending him deep and forcing the defense to retreat will give Moore and Samuel room to work.
Chris Manhertz and Ian Thomas could have a bigger role this week. The Panthers will need quick-hitting throws during two-minute drills and the tight ends will be crucial with post-ups on the linebackers for positive yardage plays.
Bridgewater has shown great poise all season and will undoubtedly have a big game this week. He will need to take some risks to try and put points on the board without McCaffrey, which is something we haven’t seen so far this season. But this week may be different.
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This offense is still very dangerous. They are definitely weaker without McCaffrey but they still have a lot of playmakers. Expect a big week from all three receivers and possibly Manhertz.