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Carolina Panthers News
Christian McCaffrey (quad) is listed as doubtful on the Panthers' game day status for Sunday. But he hasn't practiced all week and the team is off Friday so as coach Matt Rhule said earlier in the week he isn't expected to play.
Panthers OC coordinator Joe Brady isn't into making excuses, and he's not here. But there's no denying his scheme would have been more effective had running back Christian McCaffrey not missed 11 games, with No. 12 likely Sunday against Washington. “When your best football player there's obviously a difference. When he's on the football field defenses have to know where he is all the time. . . . When Christian's on the field it is a big difference.''
Panthers defensive coordinator Phil Snow on how the game plan changes against Washington if DE/OLB Brian Burns (knee) doesn't play as expected: “He's a dynamic guy and we use him in a lot of roles. It kind of limits what we can do. The package won't be as full because of his versatility.''
Panthers players had tremendous respect for former coach Ron Rivera, who will be on the opposite sideline on Sunday at Washington. Cornerback Donte Jackson still believes in Rivera's mantra, "Control your inner Ape.'' That turned into one of the many T-shirts Rivera had on a weekly basis. Jackson says he still has them all.