NFL’s short memory evident once again with Christian McCaffrey
By Dean Jones
Christian McCaffrey’s lack of activity in 2020 with the Carolina Panthers has led some to forget just how good he is.
As the old saying goes.
Out of sight, out of mind.
That is definitely the case where Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is concerned. The All-Pro featured in just three games in 2020 due to ankle, shoulder, and quad problems throughout the campaign, which played a significant factor in the team faltering down the stretch in close contests on their way to a 5-11 record for the second straight season.
This has seemingly played a role in McCaffrey coming up in some trade situations just one year removed from becoming the third player in NFL history to go over 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season.
If the Panthers included him in a deal that could bring quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans, then fair enough.
But to even consider moving the former first-round pick for more draft capital is simply out of the question, even though NFL.com’s writer Adam Rank recently listed some players who should be traded this offseason and put McCaffrey at the top of the list.
The NFL is a what have you done for me lately business, of that there is little doubt.
However, missing a large part of the 2020 season seems to have lessened what some experts and fans think of him.
This is something McCaffrey can use to his advantage next time around. He should be highly motivated to remind people exactly the sort of player he is in 2021 and that is good news for the Panthers in no uncertain terms.