The Carolina Panthers exchanged running backs this offseason after they released Jonathan Stewart and signed C.J. Anderson after he was cut by the Denver Broncos. Anderson didn't have much of a market in free agency, though, and he eventually chose to sign a one-year “prove it” deal with the Panthers.
But despite the lack of interest in him, Anderson believes he is still at the top of his game and can be a high-level contributor in Carolina this season.
“I should be in my prime,” Anderson told Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer. “I think I have an opportunity to do something really special here. I asked for the one-year deal. I want to prove myself that I can still play this game at a high level.”
Anderson is coming off a career year last season. He topped 1,000 yards for the first time in his five-year career and also added three touchdowns. But despite his productive year, the Broncos still decided to part ways with him this offseason. Anderson says that that 1,000-yard season was “just a start” of that type of production and is capable of providing more for the Panthers.
Anderson will have to share touches in the Panthers backfield with Christian McCaffrey. The young running back, who was drafted inside the top 10 in last year’s draft, lived up to the hype as he had a productive rookie year. He had 986 yards from scrimmage and seven total touchdowns.
But McCaffrey did most of his damage through the air. While he should get his share of carries, Anderson should still take on a significant role on the Panthers offense by getting a good number of the touches on the ground. And if he can show he can still play at a high level, the Panthers should once again be a handful on the ground.
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