4 key observations from Christian McCaffrey’s performance vs. the Saints
By Dean Jones
Christian McCaffrey had to fight for every yard
This was a workmanlike performance from Christian McCaffrey. The New Orleans Saints defense made him their primary focus as expected and although there were brief glimpses in the open field, the Stanford product had to fight for every yard that came his way.
As stated previously, McCaffrey is working behind an offensive line brimming with confidence right now. Things look stable on the interior and Ikem Ekwonu’s ability on running downs is something else that’s left a notable impression through three weeks.
New Orleans never makes things easy for McCaffrey. So for the player to keep plugging away down the stretch when the Carolina Panthers needed him to step up was extremely pleasing.
More importantly, it was yet another contest where McCaffrey came through unscathed. Even though he’s landed on the injury report twice, it’s been smooth sailing on the health front and long may that continue.
This was McCaffrey’s toughest test of the season to date against a stout Saints front seven. But the physicality and perseverance were enough to suggest that the player’s injury complications might be a thing of the past.
If this proves correct and something clicks with Baker Mayfield in the coming weeks, then the Panthers might just have a winning formula at last.