Panthers' McCaffrey sets franchise mark for scrimmage yards

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey set the franchise's single-season record for yards from scrimmage during the first quarter of Monday's 12-9 setback to the New Orleans Saints. McCaffrey rushed for a 9-yard run to break the record established by DeAngelo Williams, who accumulated 1,636 yards in 2008. Williams had 1,515 rushing yards and 121 receiving yards that season. The 22-year-old McCaffrey finished Monday's game with 120 yards from scrimmage (53 rushing, 67 receiving) to boost his season total to 1,747 (979 rushing, 768 receiving). He has already set franchise records for receptions (94), receiving yards and receiving touchdowns (six) by a running back. McCaffrey ranks fourth among running backs in all-purpose yards, behind Ezekiel Elliott (Dallas Cowboys) 1,892, Todd Gurley (Los Angeles Rams) 1,831 and Saquon Barkley (New York Giants) 1,809. McCaffrey also showed off his arm with a 50-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chris Manhertz in the first quarter. For his efforts, McCaffrey became the first player with 50 yards rushing, receiving and passing in a game since Pro Football Hall of Famer Walter Payton accomplished the feat on Dec. 22, 1985. McCaffrey's heroics aside, the Panthers (6-8) have lost six straight contests and are all but eliminated from playoff contention. Carolina resides 1 1/2 games behind the Minnesota Vikings (7-6-1) and one game behind the Philadelphia Eagles (7-7) and Washington Redskins (7-7) for the second wild-card spot in the NFC. The slumping Panthers host the Atlanta Falcons (5-9) on Sunday (1 p.m. ET).