What were some key observations from Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey’s performance against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1?
There was enormous excitement in the air as Christian McCaffrey made his long-awaited return to the lineup in Week 1. The Carolina Panthers haven’t benefitted from the running back’s presence for anything more than 10 games over the last two seasons, so seeing him on the field in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns was a significant morale boost for everyone associated with the organization.
McCaffrey is an elite difference-maker capable of turning any game on its head. Something the Panthers sorely missed during their complete capitulation after such a promising start in 2022.
Obvious attention centered on Baker Mayfield against his former team. But many went into the contest wondering just how the Panthers would deploy McCaffrey within Ben McAdoo’s complex offensive scheme.
With this in mind, here are four key observations from McCaffrey’s performance versus the Browns in Week 1.
Key Observation No. 1
Browns set their stall out early with Christian McCaffrey
It was evident from early on that the Cleveland Browns were not going to let Christian McCaffrey beat them, which wasn’t a surprise. They stacked the box on every down, daring quarterback Baker Mayfield to beat them through the air, which he struggled to accomplish during a terrible first half overall.
This is something the Carolina Panthers can expect for as long as McCaffrey is in the backfield. But offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo just couldn’t find the right solutions as the home side found themselves in a 10-point hole at the break.
Christian McCaffrey was majorly underused in the first half
The Carolina Panthers seemed intent on getting Baker Mayfield going rather than using the first half to set the tone with Christian McCaffrey. A strange move from offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo considering how little the passing game was influencing proceedings.
We get it, the Cleveland Browns were putting most assets in the box to prevent McCaffrey from having a big say. But McAdoo had to do a better job of scheming things up to make the most out of Carolina’s best offensive weapon.
This gave the Panthers a mountain to climb after the break. McCaffrey cannot get four touches in the first half again if this offense wants to thrive during a crucial 2022 campaign.
There is a need to be cautious with McCaffrey no matter what the coaching staff told you leading up to the encounter. But for the player to become an afterthought when receivers were struggling to get open and Mayfield was erratic in his distribution was simply unacceptable.
Matt Rhule stated after the game that it took the Panthers way too long to get going. Something that was largely down to the fact McCaffrey was a bystander for most of the opening two quarters.
Thankfully, Carolina shifted course in the second half. But even though it was almost an unbelievable comeback late on, the damage was done long before.
Christian McCaffrey remains an elite talent
It came as no surprise that when Christian McCaffrey got in better positions, the running back began to shine. A series of explosive plays for big yardage came throughout the second half and played a leading role in the Carolina Panthers coming back from the brink before falling to a late field goal.
One play, in particular, demonstrated McCaffrey’s elite talent to full effect. Pat Elflein’s botched snap was scooped up by Baker Mayfield, who managed to get it into McCaffrey’s hands and he did the rest.
The former first-round selection’s elusiveness and ability in the open field haven’t missed a beat despite his lack of activity over the last two seasons. Something the Panthers need more than ever in pursuit of finally getting this franchise on the right path.
McCaffrey finished the game with just 57 all-purpose yards and a touchdown from 14 touches. Not exactly a recipe for success in Carolina over the years, but it’s also worth remembering Mayfield was forced to move the football quickly with a hefty deficit to overcome.
No doubt the Cleveland Browns were happy to see the back of McCaffrey after his positive contribution. However, any fan with concerns about his ability after so long away from the gridiron can now relax.
Ben McAdoo must learn from mistakes where Christian McCaffrey is concerned
Players like Christian McCaffrey don’t grow on trees. But for the most part, it didn’t look as if offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo had a clue how to best utilize him.
This was dubbed the Baker Mayfield revenge game and the Carolina Panthers did everything in their power to ensure he got bragging rights. Something that secured a slender lead with over a minute remaining when all hope was seemingly lost.
In the end, it just wasn’t to be.
Had the Panthers been more efficient right out of the gate, these complications could have been avoided.
McAdoo didn’t exactly cover himself in glory regarding how McCaffrey was deployed. Mistakes the former New York Giants must learn from as soon as possible.
The complications that emerge from overusing McCaffrey are well documented. Just how much this factored into the team’s game plan in Week 1 is another matter.
McAdoo has to do better. McCaffrey still has all the tools to be considered among the league’s best dual-threat players, even if the Panthers were reluctant to put too much pressure on his shoulders.
When McCaffrey had the football, good things happened. It’s finding the right balance that became McAdoo’s biggest problem that wasn’t figured out until it was too late.