Christian McCaffrey’s ability to dodge defenders — and injury — key to Panthers’ success

Quarterbacks excluded, Christian McCaffrey is the best offensive player in football.

When healthy, there isn’t a player capable of exploiting even the slightest mismatch like McCaffrey does. He’s a math problem. Panthers coach Matt Rhule called him “a chess piece that not many teams have.”

He can line up anywhere. Whether starting in the backfield, in the slot, or in motion, McCaffrey breaks defensive assignments and would-be tacklers’ ankles.

Defenses have coverage rules which are dictated by formation. Defenders have a responsibility based on where offensive players are when the ball is snapped. No team plans on a linebacker or box safety to defend McCaffrey on their own. But over the course of 60 offensive snaps, he’s eventually going to catch the defense in a situation it cannot defend.

Take a red zone play from practice last week, for example. McCaffrey stood to Baker Mayfield’s right. Robbie Anderson was split wide. At the snap, Anderson ran a quick slant, occupying both the corner and safety. McCaffrey released on a wheel route behind Anderson, replacing his initial alignment. Panthers linebacker Arron Mosby chased him but McCaffrey caught an easy lob pass in the back of the end zone.

“Christian (McCaffrey) is a heck of a player,” offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo said, “and one of the best in the league.”

It’s understood what McCaffrey is capable of. The unknown rests in his availability.

McCaffrey has missed 70 percent of the games since Rhule became head coach. He played in 46 consecutive games to start his career, but has missed 23 of 33 games since.

His healthy is critical to the Panthers’ success. Without at least double-digit McCaffrey games, Carolina cannot reach its full offensive (or team) potential.

“We’re gonna put him out there and give him an opportunity to handle the ball for us in a bunch of different ways. I really like the way that he fits into the offense and how the offense fits into his skill set as well,” McAdoo said. “Christian is our starting running back and that’s how we’re gonna use him.”

This story was originally published September 9, 2022 at 5:49 AM with the headline "Christian McCaffrey’s ability to dodge defenders — and injury — key to Panthers’ success."

Ellis L. Williams

The Charlotte Observer

Hailing from Minnesota, Ellis L. Williams joined the Observer in October 2021 to cover the Carolina Panthers. Prior, he spent two years reporting on the Browns for Cleveland.com/the Plain Dealer. Having escaped cold winters, he’s thrilled to consume football, hoops, music and movies within the Queen City.