Dallas Cowboys have to stop the X-factor, Christian McCaffrey
By Broe Reeve
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to kick off their regular season against the Carolina Panthers, they must find a way to stop Christian McCaffrey.
The Dallas Cowboys are set to take on the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, and Christian McCaffrey could absolutely wreck any plans for the ‘Boys getting that week one win. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is always a threat, but Carolina’s offense will run through McCaffrey this year.
As a rookie last season, McCaffrey had a solid year. While he didn’t dominate on the ground, he was unreal catching the ball. The Panthers used him all over the formation and he proved he is a matchup nightmare.
After 435 yards rushing on only 117 carries, things are changing in Carolina. The Panthers are about to give McCaffrey a huge workload. He had 17 carries in two preseason games and broke one run for a 71-yard touchdown right up the gut. New offensive coordinator Norv Turner has talked about McCaffrey getting 25-30 touches a game.
This offseason, McCaffrey added muscle to his frame while not losing his 4.4 speed. The Panthers are going to give him more work between the tackles and on early downs. His carries are going to go up- bottom line.
Don’t get it twisted, McCaffrey’s passing game chops are still the strength of his game. He’s caught six balls already this preseason and will catch a ton this year. He caught 80 balls for 651 yards last season and made some game-changing plays.
The Cowboys defense looks like they might be a real difference-maker this year and the front seven is loaded. Linebackers Sean Lee and a healthy Jaylon Smith playing behind a better defensive line should make one of the best run stopping units in the league.
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Christian McCaffrey is a matchup nightmare the Dallas Cowboys have to contain in both the running and passing game. In a game of inches, one missed step is one missed tackle and a first down on a game-winning drive that should have been a stop. The Cowboys have to stop the X-factor in McCaffrey.