Even though the season is just about over for the Indianapolis Colts, there are still games to be played. This week, they will be challenged by the Carolina Panthers and the league’s most dynamic running back in Christian McCaffrey.
The Colts have faced their share of solid running backs this season. But they have yet to game plan for a talent like McCaffrey. Both purely as a runner between the tackles and as a pass-catcher in space, McCaffrey is a truly unique talent.
Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus knows just what his unit is getting into when the third-year back takes the field.
“Very unique, very unique. This guy is super strong for his size. He is maybe one of the quicker guys that you have seen since a lot of good backs in the league,” Eberflus told reporters Thursday. “His contact-balance is excellent. So we will have to do a good job with him and also in the passing game. He runs great option routes and different types of routes. He is a handful.”
Currently on the season, McCaffrey has taken 265 carries for 1,307 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. That is a Pro Bowl season for any running back in the league. Then add in his 94 receptions for 814 receiving yards and four touchdowns, and you’ve got a unicorn on your hands.
In relation to the rest of the league, McCaffrey is third in rushing yards, tied for the most rushing touchdowns, third-most receptions (most among running backs) and has the second-most receiving yards for a running back.
McCaffrey’s 18 total touchdowns entering this week currently leads the NFL as does his 2,121 total yards.
The Colts have seen some bruisers like Leonard Fournette and Derrick Henry. They’ve seen some pass-catchers in Austin Ekeler and Alvin Kamara. But they haven’t seen a player like McCaffrey this season.
Fortunately, the Colts will be facing Will Grier making his first career NFL start. There’s a chance he leans pretty heavily on McCaffrey as the third-round pick hopes to leave a good impression.
Regardless of who is under center, McCaffrey is the league’s most potent weapon. Indy will certainly have their hands full.