Christian McCaffrey has basically had one game where he went off. Week 3 vs New Orleans went he caught 9 passes for over 100 yards. That’s the McCaffrey we expected to see when the Panthers drafted him 8th overall in this year’s NFL Draft. So far, he’s been relatively held in check. Even in a game last week where the Panthers had their best offensive output vs New England. McCaffrey was still quiet (10 touches, 49 yards, zero touchdowns). 

As a McCaffrey “truther”, I’ve been watching Panther games with an eye for the speedy rookie, and believe me when I tell you...his big day is coming. 

I noticed this in week one and it’s only become more evident with each passing week: Defenses are terrified of McCaffrey. Each team he has faced has made it a point to account for his whereabouts at all times, putting safety’s, corners, LB’s on him throughout the game- sometimes even double covering him. Double covering a “scat” back, especially one that’s a rookie, I’ve never seen a RB of his style draw this much attention from defensive coordinators. 

Eventually someone is going to fall asleep and let McCaffrey run free in the middle of the field, eventually a defense is going to be too gassed to keep up with him, eventually he will go OFF....and I think that week is this week vs Detroit. Play McCaffrey and play him with confidence. Good luck.