5 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers at NY Giants in Week 2
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey goes for 150 all-purpose yards
How Christian McCaffrey was utilized in Week 1 was a hot topic for debate. The running back received just three carries in the first half, which put too much on Baker Mayfield’s shoulders and got the Carolina Panthers into a hole they couldn’t get out of.
McCaffrey was more involved after the break, finishing with 57 all-purpose yards and one touchdown from 14 touches. While there is a need for the Panthers to be cautious with the All-Pro given some troubling injury problems over the last two seasons, Carolina’s offense must be less predictable and have more balance moving forward.
Ben McAdoo has some extra incentive this weekend going up against the team that fired him as head coach. Although this might put some additional pressure on the play-caller when the Panthers need a win in the worst possible way.
The New York Giants did a good job of restricting Derrick Henry in Week 1. However, they became exposed by Dontrell Hilliard’s route-running out of the backfield and this is something McCaffrey can take full advantage of.
His exceptional route-running and elite elusiveness could mean a big day is in the offing. It was a slow start from the Stanford product for factors out of his control, but going over 150 all-purpose yards at MetLife Stadium could be the blueprint to improved fortunes.