4 reasons to love the Carolina Panthers’ chances of success in 2021
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers get Christian McCaffrey back
Another reason why it’s time to get excited about the Carolina Panthers is the return to health of Christian McCaffrey. The running back featured in just three games last time out due to quad, ankle, and shoulder problems, and his presence on the field was sorely missed during critical stages of the campaign.
The Panthers lost an incredible eight games by one score in 2020. Had the All-Pro been available, this would have looked far different, and having McCaffrey fit and firing on all cylinders is going to be of critical importance for the organization moving forward.
People seem to have forgotten just how McCaffrey is. An out of sight, out-of-mind situation that seems completely disrespectful considering the former first-round pick became only the third player in NFL history to go over 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in 2019.
McCaffrey certainly looks the part judging by offseason workout videos. Carolina also drafted Oklahoma State product Chuba Hubbard in the fourth round to take some of the load off their face of the franchise, so big things are expected providing there are no more complications on the injury front.
Sam Darnold has never had someone like McCaffrey alongside him, which could be the difference between success and failure for the signal-caller. How important this is cannot be understated and if the pair hit it off straight away, then a surprise playoff spot might not be far behind.