Caution remains key with Christian McCaffrey as return looms

Can the Panthers finish strong with Christian McCaffrey?

The recent COVID-19 concerns won’t help the Carolina Panthers finish the 2020 season on a positive note. But their chances will improve with Christian McCaffrey out there on the field.

Carolina should be reinvigorated following their Week 13 bye, which couldnt have come at a better time after their capitutaltion at the Vikings.

There are some winnable games remaining if the necessary adjustments have been made during their period of rest. But it remains to be seen whether missing so many key figures is going to cost them.

McCaffrey has that rare ability to make everyone around him better. He can take advantage of even the smallest gap generated by offensive linemen and having him in the backfield completely alters defensive schemes to free up space elsewhere.

Although McCaffrey has been injured for the majority of the campaign, he has still managed to put up some quality numbers. The former No. 8 overall pick has 374 all-purpose yards, six touchdowns, 3.8 yards-per-rush, and 17 receptions from just 3.5 games, which is further proof – if any were needed – of what a special talent he is.

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The Panthers will be cautious with little at stake. McCaffrey will be looking to make up for lost time and it will be up to Rhule and offensive coordinator Joe Brady to keep their star player on a tight leash to a certain extent.