What were some big observations to take from Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey’s performance against the New England Patriots?
After five games out with a hamstring injury, Christian McCaffrey made his long-awaited return to the lineup in Week 9 game against the New England Patriots. The Carolina Panthers have sorely missed the All-Pro running back and were 1-4 without him in 2021, so seeing him suit up was a massive morale boost for everyone associated with the organization.
Whether McCaffrey pushed himself too soon after suffering a complication at the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football is anybody’s guess. It’s also evident that the Panthers are far too reliant on the former first-round pick judging by the team’s tepid efforts on offense in recent weeks.
If the Panthers want to maximize McCaffrey’s production throughout the duration of his deal, then things have to change. Something Matt Rhule admitted this week even if offensive coordinator Joe Brady claimed it wasn’t going to alter his mindset regarding the player’s usage.
With this in mind, here are some big observations from McCaffrey’s performance in Week 9.
Observation No. 1
Christian McCaffrey was in supreme physical condition
This perhaps came as no surprise, but Christian McCaffrey looked to be in supreme physical shape upon taking the field in Week 9. The Stanford product came through another week of practice and a pre-game workout unscathed, with the excitement at Bank of America Stadium noticeable when he was formally introduced.
McCaffrey’s conditioning is never in question. It’s keeping him fit that’s been the biggest problem for the Carolina Panthers over the last two seasons.
Hopefully, things can now start trending in the right direction. But from a physical standpoint, McCaffrey looked as advertised.
Christian McCaffrey displayed some explosiveness
Being out for so long meant it was tough and go whether we’d see the same Christian McCaffrey that’s taken the NFL by storm since being selected in the first round during the 2017 draft. Especially considering soft tissue injuries such as a troubled hamstring can sometimes play on the mind for fear of it going again.
Fortunately, McCaffrey didn’t really show any ill effects of the problem. Displaying the sort of explosiveness that’s made him such a primary weapon throughout his career.
Having McCaffrey just on the field seems to make everyone better.
A rare gift that few in the league possess.
McCaffrey’s quick burst was there for all to see whenever he got the football in his hands. Even though it didn’t impact the overall score as the Panthers were well beaten.
More importantly, the hamstring issue didn’t seem to be impacting McCaffrey on the sidelines.
If the Panthers harbor any ambitions of making the postseason, then they need McCaffrey at the peak of his powers. The defense is constantly doing its part, but the offense needs their main man to make things happen considering Sam Darnold’s struggles and the offensive line’s inability to produce consistently in pass protection.
As far as returns go, this was an encouraging one.
Christian McCaffrey’s production was solid
There was going to be some debate surrounding Christian McCaffrey and his usage following this game. Matt Rhule stated that the running back would be on a snap count regardless of how he looked in his pre-game workout, with offensive coordinator Joe Brady indicating that he planned to utilize the player in a similar fashion to games gone by.
It’s a big talking point. And McCaffrey isn’t alone when it comes to players at the position perhaps being overworked and suffering injuries as a result.
In the end, McCaffrey was allocated 14 carries for 52 rushing yards. He also hauled in four of five targets for 54 receiving yards to emerge as the one shining light in a pathetic offense display from the Panthers.
Depending on how McCaffrey comes out of the game, this solid production could lead to an increase in reps and touches in Week 10 at the Arizona Cardinals, who boast a formidable defensive front even though J.J. Watt has been ruled out for the season.
Make no mistake, it was great to see McCaffrey back in some capacity. But there are much bigger problems concerning Carolina at the present time.
What’s important for the Panthers now is managing McCaffrey during the week in readiness for gameday. He keeps himself in supreme condition, so taking as much off his plate as possible is the smart way to go whether he likes it or not.
McCaffrey is back and played very well all things considered. The Panthers and their fanbase can now breathe a sigh of relief.