5 biggest fears surrounding the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Christian McCaffrey’s health
Christian McCaffrey is feeling better than ever, according to his comments during reporting day ahead of training camp. But this is something fans have heard over the last two seasons, so they are right to err on the side of caution.
The Carolina Panthers have a lot riding on McCaffrey’s health once again in 2022. There are enough gifted playmakers to take the heat off and the presence of D’Onta Foreman should also help, but the All-Pro remains the focal point and someone the team can feed off providing no further complications emerge.
Carolina’s overreliance on McCaffrey’s come back to haunt them. But in truth, being overworked under the previous regime did him no favors, either.
Considering the stakes in 2022, losing McCaffrey to injury would be a body blow. One that could come with another capitulation and leave the Stanford product’s long-term future with the franchise in serious doubt.
If the Panthers use McCaffrey the right way and rely on others a little more, then there’s every chance the former first-round pick can stay fresh and resume his status as the league’s best-dual threat player at the position.
Anything less would be an absolute catastrophe.