Christian McCaffrey and Sam Darnold Still Working on Chemistry

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey had a glowing review of his new quarterback, Sam Darnold, but there are still some things the duo is working on as it prepares for the upcoming season. 

"He's very laid back, but he's definitely a leader too," McCaffrey said of Darnold. "And he knows when to put his foot down when he needs to and be a leader when he needs to. I think that's something that makes all quarterbacks great.

"Just demanding attention to detail, demanding a sharp practice, demanding a sense of urgency. that all starts with every individual, but the quarterback touches the ball every play. So if he shows it, then everybody else will rally behind it."

McCaffrey did touch on a few moments in practice on Monday that were promising, but there are still things that the team and Darnold need to work out as they prepare for this season.

"It's day one," he said. "There's going to be stuff we have to work on in Week 16. so there's a bunch of stuff we have to work on now.

"It's just honing in on every rep, every detail, and not looking to the future or the past, but being completely present in every practice and every meeting."

WynnBET has the Panthers’ projected win total set at 7.5 this season, but the under (-130) is favored to the over (+110). Darnold’s development with his new team will be key to the Panthers going over that projection, but it seems that he has done a good job since the Panthers traded for him prior to the NFL draft. 

"I've gotten to know him really well in the last few months," McCaffrey said. "Just getting together throwing with him and hanging out off the field. He's an incredible talent and incredible teammate already, so I'm super excited for him.

"I think he'll fit in great. Already fits in great."

McCaffrey’s health in 2021 will also be important for the chemistry between him and Darnold. Last season, CMC dealt with multiple injuries that limited him to just three games. The Panthers struggled mightily on offense because of it, and Teddy Bridgewater was replaced after just one season as the team’s quarterback. 

If Darnold wants to avoid the same fate, he will need to get on the same page as McCaffrey and hope that the All-Pro running back can take the Panthers to new heights in 2021.