4 ways the Panthers can win without Christian McCaffrey in Week 4
By Dean Jones
How can the Carolina Panthers win in Week 4 against the Arizona Cardinals if star running back Christian McCaffrey misses out through injury?
Wednesday’s practice is normally one of rest for running back Christian McCaffrey. The Carolina Panthers are taking the cautious approach with the running back after so much frustration on the injury front, but it was not the usual reason behind the All-Pro standing on the sidelines this time around.
McCaffrey landed on the injury report with a thigh problem. Something head coach Matt Rhule wasn’t aware of until after their much-needed victory against the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.
According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, those within the organization are more worried about this scenario than the mild knocks over the last fortnight. Hopefully, McCaffrey can suit up and lead from the front, but the Panthers must form a contingency plan in the event he cannot go once again.
With that being said, here are four ways the Panthers can win without McCaffrey versus the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4.
Way to Win No. 1
Carolina Panthers must make D.J. Moore the focal point
Much has been made about D.J. Moore‘s lack of involvement on offense through three games. However, if the Carolina Panthers were forced into Week 4 without Christian McCaffrey, the wide receiver should become the focal point.
Outside of McCaffrey, who’s rarely been seen since his historic 2019 season, Moore has been the consistent presence capable of putting up significant numbers no matter the level of production under center. So the Panthers would be wise to get him the football early and often versus a suspect Arizona Cardinals secondary.
Even if McCaffrey’s problem doesn’t prevent him from taking part, we should see Moore get a substantial upturn in targets and touches after this topic came under the glaring media spotlight this week.