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In recent years, the game plan for stopping the Panthers has been stuff the run up the middle and double team Kelvin Benjamin. Christian McCaffrey's presence on the field should help change that in 2017. Successful teams in today's NFL typically have multiple running backs that are capable of taking on double digit touches. Carolina has leaned heavily on its quarterback to fulfill that role in the offense but it seems they will begin to look for others to carry more of the burden in 2017. Carolina is prepared to use their new toy in a hybrid role that encompasses time in the backfield with work as a slot receiver. Comparisons to Tavon Austin are common in fantasy circles, but McCaffrey offers more fantasy potential as a running back. Jonathan Stewart should continue to see the bulk of the carries but the Panthers' run heavy scheme will likely afford the Stanford product enough touches to reach flex-worthy production even in twelve-team leagues. The elusive McCaffrey could become a PPR darling if Cam Newton gets better at finding receivers out of the backfield instead of running the football.
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Carolina has big plans for Christian McCaffrey
Rookie RB getting "peppered" with short passes
By: Doug Orth | Thu Jul 27, 7:05 pm
|  | Rookie report of camp: Nothing great from first-round pick Christian McCaffrey, but it is obvious from the number of short passes and screens being thrown in the running back's direction there are big plans for him. The crowd loves him, too. He can make a simple move and there are oohs and ahs from fans on the hill overlooking the practice field at Wofford College. Defenders can't love McCaffrey, though. He's so fast on his cuts that it leaves them grasping for air. (ESPN)
FFToday's Take: It's becoming obvious with all the talk about McCaffrey being a fixture in the short passing game that the first play of the season will be a short dump-off/screen he takes 60 yards for a score. All kidding aside, the Panthers are pounding the short-passing narrative pretty hard. While he will likely play second fiddle to Jonathan Stewart as a rusher this season, the rookie has about a 50-60 catch floor in Carolina's new Cam Newton-friendly offense.
| Jonathan Stewart's role not changing
Veteran 30-year-old still expected to see bulk of the carries
By: Doug Orth | Thu Jul 6, 5:00 pm
| | Christian McCaffrey brings so much to the table. He’s got terrific instincts to run between the tackles, can produce big plays in the screen game, has experience operating out of the wildcat and can even line up at wide receiver spots with his polished route-running and natural pass-catching ability.
Everyone from HC Ron Rivera to RB coach Jim Skipper has insisted that Jonathan Stewart’s role will not change. And Stewart himself has made it clear he’s not at all concerned. The punishing 240-pound runner will continue to see the bulk of the carries. (Panthers.com)
FFToday's Take: Stewart has become an insane value pick in the ninth (standard) and 10th (PPR) rounds, largely because early drafters seem to believe McCaffrey will be the clear starter right away and do-it-all back for Carolina. While McCaffrey is the future and the centerpiece of the Panthers' new offense, Stewart isn't going to go away after signing an extension in March. Owners should be thrilled to land him as an RB4 as a player capable of 200 carries yet again and 8-10 touchdowns.
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