What were some key observations from Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey’s performance in Week 2 at the New York Giants?
How the Carolina Panthers deployed Christian McCaffrey during their opening day loss to the Cleveland Browns was scrutinized heavily. While there is a real need for those in power to keep their best offensive weapon on the field, giving the former first-round pick 14 combined touches throughout the contest was perhaps erring too much on the side of caution in the grand scheme of things.
When McCaffrey came to life, so did the Panthers. Something that needed to continue during a tricky fixture at the New York Giants, who came into the clash on the back of a hugely impressive road triumph against the Tennessee Titans.
McCaffrey was widely anticipated to feature more in Week 2. While this turned out to be the case, it was not enough to prevent the Panthers from falling to another demoralizing defeat.
With this in mind, here are four key observations from McCaffrey’s performance at the Giants in Week 2.
Key Observation No. 1
Christian McCaffrey was more involved
After so much debate about his ball allocation, the Carolina Panthers gave Christian McCaffrey more involvement in Week 2. It might have been 19 combined touches, but it was an increase from opening day, and long may it continue.
McCaffrey will be needed more than ever in the coming weeks. The Panthers already find themselves in a big-time hole just two games into the season, so this might result in Carolina going back to old habits in pursuit of improved fortunes.