Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara drive dynamic offenses in similar fashion

As the Carolina Panthers prepare for their matchup with the New Orleans Saint on Sunday, there is a David versus Goliath aura in the air for most of the scenarios being tossed around - except when it comes to running backs Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara. The pair share similar scenarios with regard to how they are utilized in their respective offenses. Additionally, they measure up closely in the career categories that matter most in determining wins and losses. Kamara has totaled 3,423 yards on 692 attempts while McCaffrey has amassed 3,243 rush yards but in left a lot on the table after missing most of the 2020 season.

They are at very similar places in the statistical universe. So when it comes down to who will give their team the biggest edge in this week's game will likely be decided by which of these two rushers can weather the storm of the opposing defense. One of the key components is balance according to Panthers' head coach Matt Rhule. "He's just unbelievably hard to tackle," Rhule said.

McCaffre has a lot of respect for Kamara's skill set as well. "You know, I like watching him play, try to take stuff from him," McCaffrey said during Wednesday's press conference.

"With him being such a versatile back who can do it all - he's a guy that I always go back and highlight each week."

The Panthers have been accused of leaning on McCaffrey too much in the past. But that may be a mute point against a New Orleans team that has one of the top ranked defenses in the league and, other than their issues with an injury to cornerback Marshon Lattimore, are the biggest challenge, on paper, for the Cats in their first four games of the 2021 season.