5 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers at Texans in Week 3
By Brian Lane
Carolina Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey goes for 250 total scrimmage yards
There is no secret to this Carolina Panthers offense. They like to go to Christian McCaffrey early and often. The way he can put any linebacker at an extreme disadvantage when going out for passes is just too appealing for Joe Brady and Sam Darnold to not keep exposing at every opportunity.
In Week 2 they were able to open up the playbook a little bit and not rely too much on McCaffrey for all of their offense. He still racked up 137 total yards but did miss a big chunk of the third quarter nursing a cramp in his calf.
After a few bags of IV, McCaffrey was back out on the field for the fourth quarter.
The former first-rounder did not show up on the injury report at all for this short week, so he appears to be back to normal for Thursday night at the Houston Texans.
There are just too many ways to get McCaffrey the football. Darnold, who has been really good in protecting the football, has leaned on the All-Pro as his emergency option on passing downs.
The mismatches I see with this Texans defense and linebacker unit should have McCaffrey licking his chops. Especially considering how easily he was able to get open with C.J. Mosley and Demario Davis trying to track him down early in the season.
Those are very respectable linebackers and ones that do not get beat often. No offense Christian Kirksey, but this should be another week where McCaffrey is able to break free and rack up a lot of his yards.