Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is now with the San Francisco 49ers.
William Jones - October 23, 2022
As the San Francisco 49ers continued to fight for the No. 1 spot in the NFC West, they got additional help for their offense in running back Christian McCaffrey.
The 49ers acquired McCaffery on Oct. 20 from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2023 second-round pick, a 2023 third-rounder, a 2023 fourth-rounder, a 2024 fifth-rounder, and a 2024 sixth-rounder, according to ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
During this season with the Panthers, McCaffery recorded 431 yards in 93 attempts, two touchdowns, and an average of 4.6 yards per rush attempt. These stats weren't significant, but it shows that the former Panthers' running back still could produce well in only four games.
McCaffery had a successful career with the Panthers, running and receiving the ball from 2017- 2022.
In running the football, McCaffery recorded 3625 yards in 789 attempts, 30 touchdowns, 166 first downs, and 84 long gains within 59 games. He also receives the football in 59 games through 3039 yards in 359 attempts, 17 touchdowns, and averages 8.5 yards per attempt a season.
McCaffery's most important career achievements, along with being named All-Pro twice in 2019, joined the 1,000- 1,000 club in receiving and passing.
With the 49ers acquiring McCaffery, it adds needed support with the run game after running back Elijah Mitchell went down with a torn MCL injury in the season opener against the Chicago Bears.
The 49ers are currently ranked 15th in running yards per yard with running back Jeff Wilson Jr. and using wide receiver Debo Samuel in the backfield. They are also in the top 20 in the running game like rushing yards a game (120.7), percentage (44.16%), and touchdowns (0.9).
McCaffery could be efficient for the 49ers' rushing attack this season, which was an issue without Mitchell because the team's offense runs through the run game.
Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers' head coach, would run different rushing schemes, including outside pitches, zone runs, power running, and other variations. These running strategies help open up the passing game consisting of using multiple receivers and George Kittle.
Shanahan would use a wide zone toss strong where he has a two-tight end set to block the outside and fullback Kyle Juszczyk can block the next-level defender. He likes to have favorable blocking matchups that could eliminate the double-team tackles of defenders.
Running backs would be able to read or follow the blocks while going inside or outside the path than the normal path. This is effective with left tackle Trent Williams as the lead blocker pancaking defenders to create a running lane.
In the last Sunday's game loss against the Kansas City Chiefs McCaffery was for what he could do despite having 38 yards in eight attempts.
McCaffery would use his ability to navigate his way through the Chief's defense while reading the blocks from the offensive line. He also showed that he could fight for more yards to get the first down.
McCaffery continues displaying his abilities in Shanahan's offense more against the Rams today with his versatility.
In Sunday's 31-14 win versus the Rams, McCaffery was productive in passing, running, and throwing games. Each offensive scoring resulted in one touchdown in the same game making the 49ers running back the first player since LaDainian Tomlinson to achieve the feat.
With the success McCaffery would have on the field for the 49ers, his connection with California adds a personal dynamic with joining the team after the trade.
McCaffery uniting with Shanahan came full circle with their fathers' history of playing with each other in the past. Shanahan's dad, Mike Shanahan, coached McCaffery's dad, Ed McCaffery, on the Denver Broncos and the 49ers.
In Texas, the 49ers' head coach wore his jersey number 87 in a tribute to McCaffery's dad, who model his game as a wide receiver, according to the tweet by Senior NFL reporter Albert Breer.
Conclusion
The combination of McCaffery's ability for the 49ers on the field and family ties off the field would be significant aspects for the team moving forward.
McCaffery will be teaming up with Garoppolo, Kittle, Williams, Samuel, and other offensive weapons that would help the 49ers compete in the NFC. He will be able to continue learning Shanahan's offensive scheme during the team's bye week.
After the bye week on Sunday, Nov. 19, the 49ers will be at home facing the Los Angeles Chargers at 8:20 ET on Sunday Night Football.
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