The Carolina Panthers have undergone some serious changes this NFL offseason. It seems the same can be said for running back Christian McCaffrey.
McCaffrey spent his first season in the NFL largely working out of the backfield. He now looks every bit the part of a workhorse running back, via Twitter user Michael Coleman.
"CMC can't be a 3 down back in the NFL"
*sees this picture*
"Why would the Panthers draft a RB when they have this walking gun show over here?" pic.twitter.com/AWuWmqjJxq
— Coleman (@rock__lobster_) May 3, 2018
McCaffrey enjoyed a decorated career at Stanford as one of the most electrifying playmakers in college football. However, the one knock on him was that his small frame would prevent him from ever becoming a three-down back. That is certainly not the case anymore.
McCaffrey was limited to passing situations in the offense last season, while veteran running back Jonathan Stewart handled the bulk of the carries. Fortunately, he still made the most of it after taking 117 carries for 435 yards and two touchdowns. Of course, most of his work came through the air, hauling in 80 catches for 651 yards and five touchdowns.
McCaffrey was Carolina's biggest threat in the passing game last season. The Panthers addressed that issue by taking wide receiver D.J. Moore in the first round. That said, the speedy back should be able to put his emphasis on the running game this year. Furthermore, with Stewart out of the picture, it is clear that McCaffrey has every intention of becoming the bell-cow back in Carolina. He will be competing for carries with other running backs such as Fozzy Whitaker and Cameron Artis-Payne. However, based on the difference in touches last year, it is safe to assume that this role is McCaffrey's to lose.
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