The Carolina Panthers are Christian McCaffrey’s team regardless of who is starting at quarterback. That much was made apparent last spring when Teddy Bridgewater signed a deal worth one million less than CMC’s big contract extension. Heading into 2021, Sam Darnold has replaced Bridgewater as Carolina’s QB1.
One of the many reasons the Bridgewater experiment failed was a lack of chemistry between Teddy and his favorite passing target, wide receiver D.J. Moore. While it’s impossible to say how the ball distribution will play out over the course of a long 17-game regular season, the smart money is on a healthy McCaffrey leading the team in touches, so the rapport between him and his new quarterback will be critical.
At the very least, Darnold and McCaffrey are getting to know eachother off the field. The pair went out for a joint-birthday celebration a couple weeks ago. Now, they’ve been spotted dining out at Oku in Charlotte.
Carolina @Panthers ballers Sam Darnold and Christian McCaffrey recently spotted dining at Oku in Charlotte’s South End area
(📸: @rockstarz30)#Panthers #SamDarnold @CMC_22 @SouthEndCLT #Charlotte pic.twitter.com/m8cJufUrUn— Charlotte Paparazzi (@CelebsInCLT) June 24, 2021
Many things will be easier for Darnold here compared to New York. For one thing, the Jets never had a real threat at the running back spot during his three-year run at QB.
Meanwhile, McCaffrey is arguably the best RB in football – and certainly the position’s most-capable pass-catcher. In 51 games, he has posted 320 catches, 2,672 yards and 16 touchdowns. Continuing that strong work in the passing game will require quality timing with Darnold.
