4 bitter disappointments from the Panthers loss at NY Giants in Week 2

Christian McCaffrey’s lack of presence in the passing game

The Carolina Panthers coaching staff once again threw two games away. Christian McCaffrey‘s four receptions for 26 receiving yards from just five targets was another factor in the team’s overall demise – their second in as many seasons at the New York Giants.

McCaffrey’s exceptional pass-catching gives the Panthers favorable matchups all over the field. Opposing defenses have to put so much attention onto the All-Pro in the slot that it opens up plenty of space for others to do damage.

After a 24 receiving yards outing in Week 1, Ben McAdoo and the coaching staff on offense have not made the former first-round selection a priority in the passing game. This is what what makes McCaffrey so elite – a swiss army knife that is not used like one under Matt Rhule and the team is suffering as a result.

Until McCaffrey is used as a dual-threat frequently, the Panthers will remain dull and predictable. This also hurts Baker Mayfield under center without the league’s best security blanket to lean on when pressure arrives.

The pressure is growing to exponential levels where Carolina is concerned. There’s just no telling what a few more losses would do to the stability of the franchise, making it vital that McCaffrey is deployed in a way that maximizes his outstanding ability to turn any game on its head.