What can the Carolina Panthers do to help star running back Christian McCaffrey after another season was cut short in 2021?
The dust is now settling on the devastating news surrounding Christian McCaffrey going to season-ending injured/reserve with five games remaining of the 2021 season. This is another major blow to the star running back, who has found life incredibly difficult when it comes to staying on the field over the last two years.
It’s all well and good pointing the blame at the coaching staff, on McCaffrey, or even the team’s decision to give the All-Pro a lucrative contract extension to make him the face of the franchise. But the simple fact of the matter is the Carolina Panthers have been far too reliant on the Stanford product and considering he’s featured just 10 times over two campaigns, this shouldn’t be the case.
When one considers his injury problems and the money still owed on his contract, the chances of McCaffrey being traded are minimal at best. Besides, he’s still the best weapon Carolina has despite the return of quarterback Cam Newton.
So the question needs to be asked. What can the Panthers do to help McCaffrey?
Carolina Panthers need to take some heat off Christian McCaffrey.
First, it all starts with the workload.
Giving McCaffrey 30 combined touches a game is no longer viable. Either other players need to step up or the scheme needs to change to avoid similar injury complications moving forward.
Carolina is lost without McCaffrey in the backfield. He is the league’s best security blanket in the passing game and nothing seems to go right when the player misses time.
Joe Brady has to do a better job of coming up with the right solutions. Having consistent play from the quarterback position would also help – something that hasn’t been there more often than not.
Another area that needs to get better for McCaffrey to thrive is the offensive line. This is not a good group overall – although their run blocking is marginally better than what we’ve seen in pass protection – so acquiring quality either in free agency or the draft should be the Panthers’ biggest priority next spring.
There is also the intriguing prospect of utilizing McCaffrey as a slot receiver more often. This takes him out of the firing line in-between the tackles and there aren’t many better at creating separation quickly over short slants and Texas routes across the league.
We’ve reached the tipping point where McCaffrey is concerned. Many are now questioning the call to give him top dollar, which often proves unwise considering the violence that comes with playing the running back position.
McCaffrey is an elite talent.
One of the best in the business.
But as the old saying goes, the best ability is availability and the Panthers need their star player on the field for much longer than he has been of late.
The Panthers have to do their part. But McCaffrey also needs to realize he cannot command the majority of touches in every game – although that will be a bitter pill to swallow considering his competitive nature.
No player is more important than the team. But the Panthers have to change their approach.
Otherwise, the injury concerns surrounding McCaffrey will only continue for the duration of his deal.
And that would be a cataclysmic problem.