3 reasons why Christian McCaffrey will be an All-Pro in 2021
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers will be better
One of the main reasons why the Carolina Panthers have relied so heavily on Christian McCaffrey is that they just haven’t been that good. The running back has featured in just one playoff game throughout his career – which was during his rookie campaign in 2017 – but there are some signs of life from an organization that has languished in mediocrity ever since their Super Bowl 50 defeat to the Denver Broncos.
Much will obviously depend on who is distributing the football under center. If the Panthers can get a better option at the tight end spot, strengthen their protection, and bring in another dynamic wide receiver to replace Curtis Samuel, then the sky is the limit for this group.
D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson are one of the NFL’s best receiving tandems on the outside who both went over 1,000 yards in 2020. This is an exciting unit to be a part of and a fit McCaffrey gives them a completely different dimension.
The one doubt is obviously a big one.
Teddy Bridgewater’s less than stellar first year with the franchise has seen the Panthers look in a different direction this offseason. Head coach Matt Rhule and general manager Scott Fitterer said the former Louisville standout was still “their guy“, at least for now. But considering what transpired with Cam Newton last year, it’s only right to be a little skeptical about their statements.
Having a better player under center will only help McCaffrey. However, even if the Panthers are forced to go with Bridgewater once again, it shouldn’t impact their best weapon on offense too much at all.