Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is one of the best when he is in peak physical shape.
In 2019, he had 1,387 rushing yards, 1,005 receiving yards, and 19 total touchdowns.
He had 1,965 yards from scrimmage the year before that and 13 touchdowns.
Unfortunately, the last two years have been tough for the Stanford alumnus.
He played in only ten games and never had 1,000 yards in each season.
The 2020 season was worst because he only played three games due to a shoulder injury and finished with only 374 yards.
Two years later, it seems like the narrative on McCaffrey’s career has gotten better.
Matt Rhule said Christian McCaffrey is "in the best shape of his life." He will be full go against the Browns. "He's a great player and we're going to play him."
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) September 5, 2022
Steve Reed of The Associated Press tweeted, “Matt Rhule said Christian McCaffrey is ‘in the best shape of his life.’ He will be full go against the Browns. ‘He’s a great player, and we’re going to play him.'”
The Panthers are hoping for the best with one of their top offensive weapons.
Their winning chances will improve if McCaffrey can play a full season.
Last year, the Panthers started their season at 3-0 with McCaffrey suiting up.
But after he suffered a hamstring injury, the Panthers finished the season at 5-12.
McCaffrey played seven games but lasted only until Week 12 after a season-ending ankle injury.
New Mood With The Panthers
Aside from McCaffrey’s return, the Panthers also got a new starting quarterback in Baker Mayfield.
He will be targeting McCaffrey, DJ Moore, Robbie Anderson, and Terrace Marshall Jr. in the passing game.
The Panthers also acquired Laviska Shenault from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2023 seventh-rounder and a 2024 sixth-rounder.
Carolina hopes that they are all systems go when they face the Cleveland Browns in Week 1.
More importantly, they hope that McCaffrey will be able to rediscover his dominant self.
NEXT: Baker Mayfield Cannot Afford A Week 1 Letdown