4 ways the Panthers can win without Christian McCaffrey in Week 4
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers must use Laviska Shenault Jr. more
Not only did Christian McCaffrey excel in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints en route to his second-consecutive game of more than 100 rushing yards, but Laviska Shenault Jr. also made a huge splash after finally getting some competitive action following his trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Shenault caught the eye with two outstanding kick returns before sending Bank of America Stadium into delirium by taking a short completion from Baker Mayfield 67 yards for a touchdown that all but secured a first win in 10 for the Carolina Panthers.
This should be all Carolina needed to see. Providing Shenault has grasped enough of Ben McAdoo’s playbook, utilizing the do-it-all offensive weapon more frequently is a realistic proposition if McCaffrey sits out in Week 4.
There are so many ways the Panthers can use Shenault, it’s something to consider even if McCaffrey plays a part. He is a physical wideout capable of making people miss, which is exactly what the offense is looking for given their cohesion problems since McAdoo assumed play-calling responsibilities.
The Panthers saw something in Shenault despite failing to meet expectations in Jacksonville. Based on his opening outing versus the Saints, he is ready to be unleashed in some capacity.