McCaffery 2nd in receiving among NFL running backs, on pace for 900+ yards

[Chairman Wow]

Small sample size for sure, but, barring injury, this kid is gonna produce a ton of yards if the Panthers can consistently get him the football.

It might sound like hyperbole, but McCaffery may be the best receiving running back in the NFL after only 3 games as a pro.

[Jon Snow]

10 minutes ago, Chairman Wow said:

Small sample size for sure, but, barring injury, this kid is gonna produce a ton of yards if the Panthers can consistently get him the football.

It might sound like hyperbole, but McCaffery may be the best receiving running back in the NFL after only 3 games as a pro.

He could break some records if he had an OC with a clue.

[Esch30]

[TN05]

What gets me excited is he isn't just getting catches on screens. Even adding that to our offense is great. He's a genuine slot/downfield threat and is catching everything thrown at him.

If we use him properly, he could be getting us over 1,200 scrimmage yards a year even in a role like this. We just have to find ways to use him properly

[xav8tor]

32 minutes ago, Jon Snow said:

He could break some records if he had an OC with a clue.

True. Shula has to call plays that put the ball in his hands, but with disguise and misdirection. To be effective as receiver out of the backfield, the run has to be an option, but until our OL is healthy, gels, and executes, up the middle is not one of those options. Running, he needs to get to the edge to maximize his potential. CMC needs some space.

The only negative in his technique I've seen is his stutter step. With our current plays and execution woes, he doesn't have that half second to juke out even average NFL defenders when they're already two steps or less away with a full head of steam. However, it's already been documented scientifically, and seen in action, that he can instantly change direction in less time than almost anyone can react, much less change their own direction. Just change direction without the preliminary dance. I feel certain that can be coached up quickly at the position level.

Whether running or receiving, four or five feet of space is enough to give him the launch pad he needs. It's up to Shula to design and call those plays, or Cam at the line if he ever has the time and authority. We've already seen far more than flashes that these plays are within the capability of everyone involved. Same goes for using Samuel in a similar or complimentary fashion.

Using him as a receiver is an almost indescribable gift of great opportunities for yards and points. Furthermore, Cam COULD make those short throws, as could many quarterbacks. Just throw him catchable balls. So far, worst case, he's down immediately for five yards or so, with a catch rate of almost nine times out of ten. On many of those catches, he's going to double that with another five or more YAC...or more. We cannot overuse him though, for a few obvious reasons. Samuel needs to be integrated into the scheme, and the rest of the receiving corps, needs to step up. Otherwise, D will just key on him almost exclusively, which we have seen a degree of in the first two games.

If Cam can get his mojo back, this offense can, and should be, deadly. When 88 comes back, there are no excuses left. Even if the OL can only hold for two to three seconds, with proper play calling and design, that should be enough. However, that means change to our underlying offense philosophy, and with the current staff, it may not happen.

[Steve_Smith_Sr.]

Too bad we wasted a first round pick on this kid.

amidoingitright???

[h0llywood]

That sad part about this is CMC has as many 100 yard receiving games as our new #1 receiver Devin Funchess has in his career.

[TheRed]

Im excited as anyone. But we're clearly force feeding him.

CMC is going to be good for us, but we need our wideouts making plays. CMC shouldn't be shouldering that much of a load. Especially when you consider he has a whopping 73 yards rushing through 3 games.

[Seltzer]

7 minutes ago, h0llywood said:

That sad part about this is CMC has as many 100 yard receiving games as our new #1 receiver Devin Funchess has in his career.

I agree, but Funchess has looked better these last 2 games especially.  This is his 3rd year, but he is only 23.  Was one of the youngest players in the league his rookie year.  Definitely need more production out of him, and he will never be a #1, but he's not the root of all of our problems.

[Chairman Wow]

McCaffery is perfectly capable of lining up at tailback 5 times a game and breaking a draw or counter for a 60 yard touchdown.

On top of what he gives you at receiver.

[xav8tor]

One thing that baffles me is how many people are hung up on his designation as an RB and therefore, the conclusion that the first round pick was a waste. Who cares? He's also a return man, and obviously a receiver, and a damn good one at that! Don't make me a GM, because I would have taken him at eight as a pure receiver intending to run him occassionaly like we did Ginn. Admit it. He would have had twice as many yards yesterday with Peyton calling plays to Brees. Just think what BB and Co. could do with him. We need to get to that level on play design/calling...okay halfway there maybe.