Niner Noise
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The biggest question facing each NFL team in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 5, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) runs the ball during practice at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) runs the ball during practice at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers

Can Christian McCaffrey take the pressure off Cam Newton?

Yes, keeping Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton healthy is a key question. Some may argue it’s the most important.

But the majority of this focus actually shifts to rookie running back Christian McCaffrey and his ability to make an already complex Panthers rushing attack more dynamic.

Newton can’t be asked to do it all, and that’s where McCaffrey comes in. Sure, he’s not an every-down back. Yet anyone who watched his tape at Stanford knows the unique and all-inclusive abilities McCaffrey can bring to an offense.

He’s the perfect weapon for offensive coordinator Mike Shula and, if things go well enough, could help get the Panthers offense back to the same level it was during their Super Bowl year two seasons ago.

Still, the biggest part of the equation will be how McCaffrey eases the pressure on Carolina’s quarterback.

If the offense is clicking, look for McCaffrey to be a primary reason why.