NFL training camp: Best battle to watch for each team
By John Buhler
Carolina Panthers: Christian McCaffrey vs. Jonathan Stewart
This one should be a lot of fun. Can we consider a competition for starting running back in Charlotte with the Carolina Panthers? It may not immediately come to mind, but Carolina did use the No. 8 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft on Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey. He finished runner-up in the 2015 Heisman Trophy race to Derrick Henry. McCaffrey has a chance to be a star in this league or bust horribly. Either way, keep an eye on this kid.
As for the incumbent, Jonathan Stewart is a solid, mid-tier running back for the Panthers. The problem for the nine-year veteran out of Oregon is that he rarely is. Stewart may have put together a Pro Bowl season in 2015, but he hasn’t played a full season for Carolina since 2011. Let that sink in for a second.
Stewart may have 7,881 career yards from scrimmage for 51 touchdowns, but his best ability isn’t availability. Though it is difficult to put the blame on any one thing, Carolina just is not the same football team when Stewart and the running game cannot pound the rock for the Panthers. Quarterback Cam Newton is a terrific talent, but will never be a precise passer in the NFL. He throws the ball too high to routinely thread the needle.
McCaffrey is one of those rare talents offensively that can make plays any way the ball is in his hands. He is a solid running back, an electric receiver out of the backfield and a dynamic player in the return game. McCaffrey will hopefully spell Stewart enough so that he’ll stay healthy, as Carolina makes a playoff push.