CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The upper body of Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey was marked with nicks and scrapes as he slowly dressed following Sunday’s opener. He looked as though he had been through a full five rounds of an MMA bout and came out on the short end.
Looks can be deceiving.
McCaffrey dealt more punishment than he took during the 30-27 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The mark he left -- that he’s a serious threat to become the third player in NFL history to record 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season -- mattered the most.