4 Carolina Panthers players who could win individual awards in 2021
By Dean Jones
Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers RB
- NFL MVP
To say the Carolina Panthers missed Christian McCaffrey when it mattered most in 2020 would be something of an understatement. The running back turned out in just three games for the organization due to ankle, shoulder, and quad problems, which also saw the All-Pro sidelined against the Kansas City Chiefs when his team was in contention for victory at the then Super Bowl champions.
McCaffrey is expected to make a full return to health and certainly looks the part in offseason workouts posted on social media. The Panthers lost eight games by one score in 2020 and had he been on the field for all of them, there is little doubt a more improved record would have followed.
Having McCaffrey fit and firing on cylinders is going to be absolutely crucial for Carolina and new quarterback Sam Darnold. The team decided to draft promising college prospect Chuba Hubbard in the fourth round following Mike Davis departing in free agency for the Atlanta Falcons, so those in power know full well how important it is to keep their best offensive weapon healthy.
It’s clear that McCaffrey is chomping at the bit to silence some doubters. He undoubtedly heard those wanting to move hin in favor of landing Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans, so if he can use this motivation in a positive manner, the former Stanford sensation will once again enter the MVP discussion.