3 ways the Panthers can beat the Bucs without Christian McCaffrey
By Dean Jones
Continue to lean on Curtis Samuel
One primary playmaker who needs to see even more involvement with Christian McCaffrey on the sidelines is Curtis Samuel. The wide receiver has increased his on-field influence in recent weeks and his ability to make things happen in a variety of different ways is something that the Carolina Panthers should continue to lean on.
Samuel is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Joe Brady has done a nice job of putting him in the right positions to succeed after taking some time to figure out just what to do with the former Ohio State standout during the early stages of the campaign. So expect to see this trend continue and possibly even grow with No. 22 sitting out Sunday’s game and perhaps even longer.
The wideout was at the top of his game last weekend at the Chiefs. Samuel went over 100-yards receiving for the first time and also assisted a considerable amount in the running game to further enhance his overall contribution.
Carolina might have a problem developing regarding Samuel’s contract situation. But they should continue to make him a focal point until it’s time for them to start negotiations.
The second-round pick in 2017 has made himself some serious money of late and if he can increase his production between now and the end of the campaign it could be mutually beneficial for both parties involved.