The Carolina Panthers appeared to ease running back Christian McCaffrey into his role before relying on him heavily last season. After carrying the football only 117 times during his rookie year (2017), McCaffrey received over 100 more (219) handoffs during 2018. While some of his increase was related to quarterback Cam Newton being injured, his production also led to more opportunities.
Newton himself saw a decline in ground game output, registering the second fewest carries of his career. Typically a threat to move the football both through the air and on the ground, the Panthers franchise quarterback has been attempting to limit his contact chances.