4 noticeable Panthers changes that could make a big difference in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers looking to help Christian McCaffrey thrive
Things could not continue the same way for Christian McCaffrey. The running back’s unavailability has hurt the Carolina Panthers beyond measure and if the same occurs in 2022, another long campaign could be in the offing.
McCaffrey will still be tasked with a lot of responsibility. The All-Pro remains the league’s best dual-threat presence in the backfield, even though his stock has dropped considerably after featuring just 10 times in two years thanks to various soft tissue injuries.
This has provoked the Panthers and the player into change. Carolina is looking to take some heat off the former first-round selection and this has also seen the back seek counsel about how better to prepare now there is some significant tread on the tires.
Keeping McCaffrey healthy and maximizing his ability to be a factor with limited touches will obviously come with a period of adjustment from all involved. There will also be the temptation to ride his coattails heavily when things aren’t going well.
Simply put, this should be avoided at all costs.
Ben McAdoo is experienced enough to know this. Expect the new offensive coordinator to focus more on spreading the wealth rather than keep handing or dumping the football off to McCaffrey constantly.
That might be hard for McCaffrey initially. But it’s no doubt the best route forward at this juncture.