4 developing problems the Carolina Panthers need to fix through Week 2
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers short-yardage struggles
Christian McCaffrey left Sunday’s game briefly due to cramping. Not the first time this has happened according to the player, but something that should give the Carolina Panthers cause for concern.
The Panthers have leaned heavily on McCaffrey over the first two fixtures as they looked to get their campaign off on the front foot. However, one suspects that they want to take the heat off the face of the franchise, but their confidence in Chub Hubbard – especially from a blocking perspective – is preventing them from doing so.
Not only is McCaffrey getting a ton of carries and targets, but he is also being deployed in short-yardage situations with limited success.
Much of this has to do with the push generated by the offensive line. But firing McCaffrey up the middle into a brick wall isn’t going to do anything to enhance his longevity.
Just why the Panthers aren’t utilizing a bigger back such as Royce Freeman in this scenario is a mystery. He’s been on the roster for a few weeks now and should be well up to speed.
If the Panthers aren’t confident in Freeman, they need to find someone else.
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Carolina cannot afford to have McCaffrey missing time at any stage. Less still when some real momentum is building after two straight victories.