Carolina Panthers must establish the run early
The Carolina Panthers offense did not look good in the first half against the Cleveland Browns. This could be accredited to Christian McCaffrey only having four total touches during this disappointing span.
McCaffrey is the best player on the field and he has to be the main focus. Once he was provided more involvement after the break, things started to happen.
In Week 2, Ben McAdoo has to establish the run for the passing game to be opened up. Last season Matt Rhule said he wanted to run the ball 30 times a game, so 19 carries are not enough and that should be corrected.
The Panthers’ starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu excels in the run game, so running to his side should pay off. Austin Corbett has proved that he’s solid in this particular category, too.
Even if McCaffrey is taking time off to preserve his health on occasions, fans should still feel confident in running the ball as D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard are more than capable of receiving meaningful carries.
No matter who is in the backfield, the run should be a focal part of the Panthers’ offense in what is going to be a hostile atmosphere at MetLife Stadium.
D.J. Moore had a carry in Week 1 against the Browns and it ended up sparking the offense. He’s such an explosive individual that needs plenty of touches due to his ability to stretch the field and secure big yardage at will.
A name to watch this week in the run game could be Laviska Shenault Jr. The do-it-all offensive weapon was acquired via trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars to add some depth, with his physical presence something that could be of use within McAdoo’s system.
Rhule said that he could be active for Week 2 against New York. If he is, expect McAdoo to get him the ball in some running situations.