Christian McCaffrey has tremendous physical talent. He wouldn’t have become the highest-paid running back in the NFL if he weren’t also an extremely competitive individual, though. Some of his new Panthers teammates have taken notice.
Carolina’s new veteran left tackle Russell Okung told reporters after yesterday’s practice that McCaffrey is probably one of the most competitive people he’s ever been around.
Okung on Christian McCaffrey: "He’s probably one of the most competitive people I’ve ever been around. … He’s quite a talented player and I look forward to playing with him.” #Panthers
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) August 18, 2020
Strong cases can be made for other elite running backs like Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley and Ezekiel Elliott, but in our opinion McCaffrey is right to be paid like the best in the game at his position.
Okung’s comments are interesting coming at this time because they echo something Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said about Patrick Mahomes last week. When he was asked about the sport’s top quarterback, Bieniemy called him a competitive prick. Twice.
The full quote from Eric Bieniemy on Mahomes "competitive prick" comment — again — nothing but great things to say about QB1 .. backed up by Tyreek Hill speaking on Mahomes as a leader. #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/wp3PlOotDO
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) August 15, 2020
Quite the compliment for any professional athlete.
While it’s going to be difficult for McCaffrey to repeat the numbers he posted in 2019, the arrival of offensive coordinator Joe Brady could unlock potential we haven’t seen from him yet.
