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Carolina Panthers: Top takeaways from preseason victory over Buffalo Bills

By Brandon Croce

ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 09: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers drops back to pass during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on August 9, 2018 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 09: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers drops back to pass during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on August 9, 2018 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 17: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers rushes the ball against the Buffalo Bills during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 17: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers rushes the ball against the Buffalo Bills during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Christian McCaffrey drives this offense

For the Panthers’ offense, Cam Newton is the leader but Christian McCaffrey is the player that drives this offense. The second-year player picks up where he left off last year and looks great in Norv Turner’s offense.

Many questioned if Ron Rivera’s comment that it would be ideal for McCaffrey to get 25-30 touches per game was just coach speak at the start of the year or if he was serious. If this first game is any indication, he may have been serious.

In limited action against the Bills, McCaffrey had four carries for 11 yards, including a one-yard touchdown, and two receptions for 29 yards.

The success of the Panthers’ offense under Turner will largely be determined by McCaffrey in 2018.

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