5 critical observations from Christian McCaffrey’s 2021 season

Christian McCaffrey must alter his approach

Christian McCaffrey is not an iron man. That notion is long gone.

If the Carolina Panthers decided to stand firm with the running back and continue building around him, then a change in direction is undoubtedly needed moving forward.

Just what that’s going to be is unclear. Finding a power back to take the heat off McCaffrey is absolutely essential, although Ameer Abdullah and Chuba Hubbard did flash without ever coming up with elite production with more responsibility on their shoulders.

The idea of McCaffrey moving to a slot receiver is something else to consider. This would take him out of the firing line and could even prolong his career in the process.

Some common ground needs to be found when it comes to training, practice, and overall preparation. McCaffrey is a renowned workout warrior and is always in peak physical condition, but reducing the risk is of critical importance to ensure the player is on the field more than he’s been of late.

McCaffrey should have a say, obviously. But at the same time, the coaching staff must be strong enough to start dictating matters where the player is concerned.

Another season like the two just gone would leave Carolina with no alternative other than to move forward without McCaffrey on the team. So the stakes could not be higher in 2022.