How Does Christian McCaffrey Transform The Panthers Offense?

[Saca312]

Carolina Panthers runningback Christian McCaffrey is a dangerous weapon. He can make plays anywhere on the field. Whether by running between the tackles, lining up in the slot, or motioning out wide, McCaffrey makes a tremendous impact.

“I’m a football player,” McCaffrey states proudly. “I don’t put a title on what I am. If you need me to go to wideout, I can go to wideout. If you need me to run between the tackles I can do that as well. There are such a variety of different things I can do and that is something I pride myself on.”

One question many people wondered during the preseason was how Christian McCaffrey fits with the Carolina Panthers. After all, the Panthers used to commit to an offense revolving around the deep ball. With the addition of McCaffrey, that concept completely changes. Many even questioned whether Shula was capable of using McCaffrey to the fullest.

Against the Titans, the Panthers showed up with an answer. They lined Christian McCaffrey all over the field, whether be runner or receiver. Although they did not reveal McCaffrey’s full potential, the Panthers showed a glimpse of just how they plan to use him.

So, how do the Carolina Panthers plan to use Christian McCaffrey? Well, take a look in the article below to see:

http://www.carolinahuddle.com/2017/08/20/carolina-panthers-christian-mccaffrey-transforms/

[Saca312]

Sample:

Christian McCaffrey Creating Mismatches

Finally, Christian McCaffrey creates mismatches on the field. Whether through his route running or where he lines up, there’s bound to be a mismatch somewhere.

Last year, the Panthers didn’t have many mismatch options. With guys like Kelvin Benjamin still suffering from lingering injury issues, to the NFL harassing Cam, the Panthers offense never kicked off like it did in 2015.

This year, Christian McCaffrey changes that.

In the above example, Christian McCaffrey creates a mismatch option just by his actions before the snap. He comes in as a runningback, but splits out wide later on. This forces number 57 to follow McCaffrey, freeing up Kelvin Benjamin on a one-on-one opportunity in the slot. Benjamin is able to win at the line of scrimmage and ultimately come down with the catch.

By motioning McCaffrey, the Panthers offense is able to create mismatches and opportunities on the field. This forces the defense to respect McCaffrey both as a runningback and as a receiver, allowing plays like this to work. Adding Curtis Samuel into the mix should only serve to deepen the wrinkles and mismatches the Panthers have the potential to make, and allow guys like Olsen, Kelvin Benjamin, and others to get wide open.

[PantherBoy95]

Watching that GIF makes me wonder what would've happened had he dumped it to CMC at the last minute!

[Hogmolliesmaht]

  I disagree with the assertion that Shula never calls screens. He has called them but they just hardly ever work. Now he finally has a reason to run more of them.

[Toomers]

  CMC definitely has me ready to eat a little crow for stating he wasn't worth a top 10 pick. Knew he was very good,  just didn't think he was worthy of that high a draft slot. Of course, I didn't think anyone else was at our pick either. Manage his touches,  and hope he can stay healthy( like any player) and he can change this offense dramatically.  

  I will enjoy the crow. CMC is a beast, no doubt. 

[fjblair]

It's yet to be seen if he will transform the offense or just give the Panthers another wrinkle.

[Jeremy Igo]

CMC... more than meets the eye. 

[chknwing]

[nctarheel0619]

Can you give another write up on why trash players like Worley and Funchess will be better?  I would love to read those, and watch yesterday's lowlights and laugh at that article.  Thanks.  

[therealmjl]

22 minutes ago, nctarheel0619 said:

Can you give another write up on why trash players like Worley and Funchess will be better?  I would love to read those, and watch yesterday's lowlights and laugh at that article.  Thanks.  

I would love to use a few plays from a preseason game to determine the way a player will perform for the entire season.

[brandon_87]

His ability is amazing, but if our "evolution" involves lining him up out wide, then him running a quick out... and actually throwing it... we are in for a long season. He needs to be utilized coming out of the backfield or in the slot, I'm hoping that poo was just for vanilla pre-season looks at what mismatch he can exploit 

[Saca312]

5 hours ago, brandon_87 said:

His ability is amazing, but if our "evolution" involves lining him up out wide, then him running a quick out... and actually throwing it... we are in for a long season. He needs to be utilized coming out of the backfield or in the slot, I'm hoping that poo was just for vanilla pre-season looks at what mismatch he can exploit 

Yeah. Which is why I said we're only scratching the surface of CMC's potential. There's no doubt that a large chunk of CMC goodies is in reserve for week 1.

[Jeremy Igo]

6 hours ago, nctarheel0619 said:

Can you give another write up on why trash players like Worley and Funchess will be better?  I would love to read those, and watch yesterday's lowlights and laugh at that article.  Thanks.  

You should try contributing one single thing to this joint worth while instead of constantly tearing down other people. It doesn't make you edgy, it just makes you a dick. 

 

[Popsickle]

Great article Saca, like the rest of the Huddle I am ready for sex and not these halfhearted HJs often referred to as the preseason.