4 most important Panthers players at the Chargers in Week 3

Mike Davis – Carolina Panthers RB

Losing Christian McCaffrey for the next 4-6 weeks is nothing short of a disaster for the Carolina Panthers. The running back is the focal point of their offense and an inspiration to those around him during times of trouble.

However., as the old saying goes, one man’s loss is another’s opportunity.

Mike Davis will not be thrust into the limelight as the Panthers’ primary option, which is hard to believe when one considers his place on the 53-man roster was put into question before training camp.

The veteran impressed the coaching staff enough to surge up the depth chart and preserve his $3 million in base salary for the 2020 season in the process. Davis proved more than capable in the passing game late on at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, bringing in eight receptions for 74 yards as Teddy Bridgewater checked down to him plenty with the game on the line.

This is a completely different challenge for Davis, who hasn’t been a No. 1 option for some time. He does have all the physical attributes needed to make a real go of this chance. But it is hard to gauge just how much of an impact he can have until we see how the player is utilized on the field.

Offensive coordinator Joe Brady needs to find the right sort of balance to ensure the Chargers’ defense stays honest in McCaffrey’s absence. They don’t have to load the box on almost every down with the All-Pro on the sidelines, and this has the chance to complicate matters in the passing game if Davis becomes a non-factor.