PFF slight gives Christian McCaffrey another source of motivation in 2021

Christian McCaffrey’s lowly ranking in the Pro Football Focus top-50 players list is something the Carolina Panthers running back can use to his advantage.

This is the time of year when lists and rankings tend to take up the majority of debate. There is a lull between OTAs and training camp that obviously needs to be filled. But one such article, in particular, is sure not to have gone unnoticed by Christian McCaffrey.

The Carolina Panthers running back is arguably the best dual-threat player in the league. Had it not been for McCaffrey‘s injury problems in 2020, there would be absolutely no debate whatsoever.

Pro Football Focus is steadily going through their top-50 players according to analyst Sam Monson, who is renowned for a hot take or two. The writer placed McCaffrey at No. 30 on his list, which even saw Dalvin Cook of the Minnesota Vikings placed ahead of him heading into the 2021 season.

Monson was highly complimentary of McCaffrey and the potential for a bounce-back campaign, even though barely cracking the top-30 can be seen as a major slight.

"“Last season was an injury bust, but McCaffrey is still arguably the most complete running back in the NFL today. He is an elite receiver, but he has also carried a full workload from the backfield, unlike other elite receiving options like Alvin Kamara or Austin Ekeler. With an improved scheme and talent group around him, the Panthers’ fanbase can rightly hope for a big bounce-back season from their star back.”"

Christian McCaffrey goes into the 2021 season with a chip on his shoulder.

Let’s get one thing clear.

There are not 29 better NFL players plying their trade in the league who are better than McCaffrey.

The former first-round pick is Carolina’s most important player by a considerable margin. Although the Panthers made some notable additions to an already loaded offense this spring, everything good will go through their face of the franchise.

It’s easy to forget the last time McCaffrey got a full season under his belt in 2019, he became only the third player in NFL history to go over 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season.

Injuries have left some forgetting just what a special talent he is.

If these health problems are a thing of the past, it won’t take long for memories to be jogged where McCaffrey is concerned.

The All-Pro doesn’t need much more motivation this offseason. McCaffrey no doubt heard all the calls for the Panthers to include him in a trade package for Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans, with plenty also questioning the team’s decision to hand him a four-year, $64 million deal with a $21 million signing bonus and $38 million guaranteed.

Carolina – or anybody else for that matter – has yet to see McCaffrey playing with a chip on his shoulder.

Until now.

Keeping McCaffrey fit and firing on all cylinders is going to be key for the Panthers. If they can do this, then elite production is sure to follow.

There isn’t a running back alive that Carolina would swap for McCaffrey. Nor should they.

He is the beating heart of the organization from an offensive standpoint. Someone this young and dynamic roster is seeking leadership and inspiration from in times of trouble throughout the campaign.

This is a heavy burden to shoulder for someone who is entering their fifth season. But judging by what we’ve seen from McCaffrey so far, it’s a challenge he is sure to relish.