4 instant takeaways from the Panthers Week 3 win at Chargers

Mike Davis looks more than capable

There was some real uncertainty as to how the Carolina Panthers would fare without their star running back Christian McCaffrey. The likes of Reggie Bonnafon and Curtis Samuel got some touches. But the performance of Mike Davis was extremely encouraging.

The veteran was one of the real success stories from Carolina’s training camp. Davis went from an afterthought to No. 2 on the depth chart in a few short weeks and he wasn’t overawed by coming in and filling McCaffrey’s shoes.

Davis provided the Panthers with a nice explosiveness during running situations. He was also a comfort blanket for Teddy Bridgewater that played a leading role in his first half touchdown on what was the perfect screen called by offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

The back ended the game with 91 all-purpose yards and a touchdown from 21 touches, which represented outstanding production from a player who some thought might not even be on the 53-man roster by the time competitive action rolled around.

There is going to be a role for Davis once McCaffrey comes back, of that there is little doubt. If this injury has taught us anything it’s that the All-Pro needs to be used a little less. But he needs to build on this positive display in his absence over the next month or so.