4 big plans that could go wrong for the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers keeping Christian McCaffrey healthy
Despite all the uncertainty at the quarterback position, the Carolina Panthers will always have a chance as long as Christian McCaffrey is on the field. This has been an ongoing frustration over the last two seasons and unless a better plan is formed, then the same problems could resurface once again in 2022.
McCaffrey remains among the league’s best dual-threat running backs when fresh and firing on all cylinders. But featuring in just 10 games out of a possible 33 has left many wondering whether his best days are behind him.
It’s been an offseason of reflection from the coaching staff and McCaffrey himself. The former first-round pick has also sought advice from Marshall Faulk, a Pro Football Hall of Famer with a lot of similar traits.
New offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s presence should assist. The Panthers also brought in D’Onta Foreman in free agency to do all the hard work in between the tackles.
All this is positive news for McCaffrey. However, if things don’t start well for Carolina, there will be the obvious temptation to return to old habits and give him every touch possible in pursuit of helping the team.
This would not be a wise move. McCaffrey’s health remains a major concern and if their plan to keep him healthy fails, the repercussions are likely to be severe.