Christian McCaffrey, Running Back
Christian McCaffrey caught everything thrown his way on Sunday, finishing with 14 catches for 102 yards. He was targeted a game-high 15 times and was involved in the offense early and often.
McCaffrey stepped up In the absence of tight end Greg Olsen, who has served as Cam Newton’s safety valve for the past seven seasons. While listed as a running back on the Panthers’ roster, McCaffrey has thus far proven most effective as a receiver both out of the backfield and in the slot.
McCaffrey also averaged 4.6 yards on eight carries during Sunday’s game, but it was his work as a pass catcher that really stood out. Without him, the Panthers would not have been able to hang around as long as they did.
Newton is undoubtedly the most important part of the Panthers’ offense, but McCaffrey is Carolina’s second-best playmaker. If this season is to be a success, the Panthers will need more strong performances from their second-year running back.
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