The Carolina Panthers will begin a new chapter in 2020, not only because they have a new head coach in Matt Rhule, but also because they lost several franchise cornerstones this offseason.
“You’re losing Cam Newton, the former NFL MVP [who] took you to the Super Bowl,” former Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme said on Tiki & Tierney. “You’re losing quite possibly – if not the best linebacker in football – [someone] in the top two or three in Luke Kuechly with the sudden retirement. You’re losing an all-timer in Greg Olsen. They released him. So there’s a big leadership void.”
Look for Christian McCaffrey to fill it. The 24-year-old accounted for 1,387 rushing yards, 1,005 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns last season. It was the third 1,000/1,000 season in NFL history and the first since 1999.
“Christian, he’ll step right in,” Delhomme said. “He really started to kind of ascend last year. The way this guy works on the field, off the field, the way he takes care of his body is absolutely maniacal. The respect that he commands on the team, but he doesn’t consider himself above anyone else – he’s so fun to watch.”
Last year, the Panthers and Bills practiced against each other in training camp. Delhomme couldn’t believe what he saw from McCaffrey – not only as a runner, but also as a receiver.
“I saw him line up at wide receiver against one of the top corners in the NFL, Tre'Davious White, who I think is a fantastic cornerback for Buffalo,” Delhomme said. “I watched Christian McCaffrey run routes and to myself I said, ‘This guy can start at wide receiver for the Panthers and lead the team in catches playing outside.’ He’s that good.”
McCaffrey had 116 catches last season – second-most in the NFL to Michael Thomas (149).
“He runs the ball great between the tackles, outside the tackles, but what he does in the passing game and the attention he draws – it’s amazing,” Delhomme said of CMC. “He comes out of the backfield and you see two linebackers suck up on him or a linebacker and a safety and you can get some guys behind and win those. Unfortunately, I don’t think we were the best upfront protecting the quarterback – and they had a few different quarterbacks playing last year.”
Delhomme, though, believes the Panthers have assembled a nice array of weapons for new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
“[They] solidify [the offensive] line, Robby Anderson comes in with D.J. Moore – an ascending true franchise receiver – and Curtis Samuel, this team, I keep saying there are weapons there,” Delhomme said. “I just think depth at certain positions are going to be crucial to stay healthy to be able to get some kind of continuity this season.”