NFL: One breakout star for each team in the 2018 season

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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 17: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

. Christian McCaffrey. . team. 87. . RB, Carolina

By no means did Christian McCaffrey have a bad rookie season after the Panthers selected him eighth overall last year. Appearing in 16 games with 10 starts the son of three-time Super Bowl champion Ed McCaffrey accumulated over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. Carolina utilized the swiss army knife back in all aspects of their offense, but the production as a runner wasn’t as explosive as his Heisman-quality years at Stanford.

DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Norv Turner of the San Diego Chargers leads his team against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 18, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

McCaffrey will work with new offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who specializes in creating opportunities for running backs. Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who was coached by Turner in San Diego, said McCaffrey will get better matchups and the opportunity to do what he does best, catch the ball out of the backfield.

"“…getting him on the edge, getting him in space. So you’ll see a lot of those toss plays, you will see the misdirection plays…Christian will be the guy, the premier player in that offense.”"

If that doesn’t spell a breakout year from the sophomore all-purpose back, I’m not sure what does.

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