Christian McCaffrey is ready to kick off his 2019 season

[Sir Purr]

McCaffrey, who goes about his business with a quiet intensity, has taken it upon himself to step up as a leader in 2019, and that starts with making plays when the ball is in his hands -- what he does best.


“For me, it’s upholding a standard I set for myself individually,” McCaffrey said. “I don’t have to do as much talking, guys are bought in. I just go as hard as a I can all the time and if I see any corrections here or there you have to let somebody know.”


This Panthers offense is full of playmakers.


Of course there’s McCaffrey carrying the load at running back, and we all know he’s lethal as a receiver with 187 career catches on his resume already. Newton, the former league MVP, is healthy and looking like his old self. Ditto for Olsen, the Pro Bowl tight end. And those young wideouts, DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel, they’ve clearly elevated their games.


It all makes for a lot of firepower that will soon be on display.


“I’m really excited. We have the guys to do it. You’re seeing guys step up,” McCaffrey said. “There is really no excuse.”