4 key observations from Christian McCaffrey’s performance vs. 49ers

Christian McCaffrey cuts a frustrated figure

Tensions are growing across all areas of the Carolina Panthers. Matt Rhule’s time at the helm ended swiftly after this loss, but that is not sitting right with Christian McCaffrey if his post-game comments were any indication.

McCaffrey is as fed up as the next guy with how things are unfolding in 2022. He came to Rhule’s defense once again in the immediate aftermath of yet another home hammering, putting the blame squarely on himself and the players for not executing the game plan effectively.

While this is to be expected of a team leader. The excuses for Rhule hold little weight among a fanbase that lost all faith in the former Baylor man before he was dismissed.

Everyone is frustrated. But things went way past the point of no return with one win from their last 11 games and a 1-27 record when the opposition score more than 17 points under Rhule.

McCaffrey’s prime years are being wasted in Carolina. One doesn’t have to look far across the league to see how short a running back’s shelf life is, so the sooner this organization starts making things easier for their best offensive weapon, the better.

Just what that entails in the lead-up to their west coast trip is the big question. But there is renewed optimism with interim coach Steve Wilks leading the charge.