Carolina Panthers: Top takeaways from 31-21 victory over the Bengals

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CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 23: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball against Carlos Dunlap #96 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Christian McCaffrey has career game on the ground

This was the type of game the Panthers’ fans have desperately been waiting to see from the former Top 10 pick. Entering this game, McCaffrey’s career high rushing was 66 yards, a total he nearly tripled against the Bengals. He finished the game with 28 carries, also a career high, for 184 yards.

The Panthers’ offense has been desperate to get some kind of production from their running backs on the ground this season. The first two games, the Panthers leading rusher was Cam Newton, who had less than 75 rushing yards both games.

Similar to the performance of the Panthers’ secondary, the question is whether this was a one-time performance or the beginning of a trend. The coaching staff is committed to establishing the run so if the offensive line is able to give McCaffrey some room to work, this will likely not be the last 100-yard rushing game for the second-year back.

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