Buccaneers: Impact Players for the Panthers in Week 16
By Brian DeFeo
Running Back Christian McCaffrey
I have a question mark beside running back when considering which players might cause the biggest issues for the Buccaneers this weekend.
Mainly because we all know the Stanford product is an extremely productive pass catcher, but not necessarily the most consistent runner.
With 73 catches this season he is threatening the rookie record of 88 set by Reggie Bush back in 2006.
Earlier this season he was on pace for 100 catches which would’ve come close to the receiver record of 101 set by Anquan Boldin in 2003.
When McCaffrey gets the ball in his hands he makes the most of it. He averages 8.1 yards per catch, has five touchdowns, and has 33 first downs. About 45% of his catches moves the chains.
Must Read: Previewing 2018 NFL Draft Needs
While he is not as good a runner as a pass catcher, he is a nice change of pace from Jonathan Stewart.
Stewart is the familiar bruiser who gets the short yards while McCaffrey is shifty with a lot of quickness. On 102 attempts he has 382 yards and two touchdowns. Not as high a production level as he has as a pass catcher, but he can cause defenses to second guess themselves when he’s on the field.
The Buccaneers actually have one of the best ways to contain McCaffrey, linebacker speed. In his first game against Tampa, he had nine touches for 53-yards, one his lowest totals of the year.
However, David may be held out this week giving the Bucs a clear hole on the defense. While Alexander will be there in the middle, McCaffrey can move all over the field.
Look for him in the end zone this week.