4 Carolina Panthers players who could win individual awards in 2022
By Dean Jones
. RB. Carolina Panthers. CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY. 2. player. 87
Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers RB
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year
It’s hard to put into words just how important 2022 is for Christian McCaffrey. The running back looked like his old self over the first three games in 2021 before an ankle injury triggered a series of unfortunate events that restricted the All-Pro to seven games – taking his tally to 10 contests in two years.
Not exactly ideal for the Carolina Panthers. They have relied heavily on McCaffrey since he entered the league – something that saw their season go completely off the rails and expose the same frailties in Sam Darnold’s game for good measure.
A clear change of approach is needed. Otherwise, it would not be a shock to see McCaffrey suffer more injury problems that could come with grave ramifications for the player and those in positions of power within the organization.
Carolina got themselves a power running back to do damage in between the tackles in D’Onta Foreman, who could fill in for McCaffrey when required and also prevent the former first-round pick from taking unnecessary punishment in short-yardage situations.
That’s not to say McCaffrey won’t be the focal point. But the Panthers have to do everything in their power to keep their best offensive weapon on the field for an entire campaign.
If they manage to accomplish this, then some accolades could be on the way as a result.