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We already know that San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has been one of the most explosive players in the NFL in recent years, and part of that is because he's also one of the most dynamic as both a runner and receiver.
That's exactly why The Athletic's Ted Nguyen named him one of the league's most versatile players. The veteran running back showed exactly why he is a mainstay on lists like these despite the 49ers' struggling run-blocking this past season.
San Francisco's running backs ranked 24th in rushing yards before contact (1.14 per carry), their second-worst finish since Kyle Shanahan took over as head coach in 2017. With limited running room, McCaffrey shifted more of his impact to the passing game, finishing with 102 receptions for 924 yards.
His receiving production was essential to keeping the offense on schedule. McCaffrey totaled 48 catches that converted first downs — by far the most among running backs. Bijan Robinson was second with 34.
McCaffrey still rushed for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns, but his 3.9 yards per carry were his lowest mark since 2020, two years before he joined the 49ers. Nguyen noted he may have lost some long speed due to age and accumulated injuries (McCaffrey turned 30 in June), but his processing and elusiveness remain at an elite level.
Nguyen also acknowledged McCaffrey's spot on the list may not last. Robinson, he wrote, is younger and more explosive and could take over the ranking next season.
For now, though, McCaffrey's combination of receiving ability, route running and baseline rushing production keeps him in a category of his own among NFL running backs. And he'll continue to be the driving force behind the 49ers top-flight offense so long as he remains on the field for San Francisco.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey named one of NFL's most versatile players
Continue reading...
That's exactly why The Athletic's Ted Nguyen named him one of the league's most versatile players. The veteran running back showed exactly why he is a mainstay on lists like these despite the 49ers' struggling run-blocking this past season.
San Francisco's running backs ranked 24th in rushing yards before contact (1.14 per carry), their second-worst finish since Kyle Shanahan took over as head coach in 2017. With limited running room, McCaffrey shifted more of his impact to the passing game, finishing with 102 receptions for 924 yards.
His receiving production was essential to keeping the offense on schedule. McCaffrey totaled 48 catches that converted first downs — by far the most among running backs. Bijan Robinson was second with 34.
McCaffrey still rushed for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns, but his 3.9 yards per carry were his lowest mark since 2020, two years before he joined the 49ers. Nguyen noted he may have lost some long speed due to age and accumulated injuries (McCaffrey turned 30 in June), but his processing and elusiveness remain at an elite level.
Nguyen also acknowledged McCaffrey's spot on the list may not last. Robinson, he wrote, is younger and more explosive and could take over the ranking next season.
For now, though, McCaffrey's combination of receiving ability, route running and baseline rushing production keeps him in a category of his own among NFL running backs. And he'll continue to be the driving force behind the 49ers top-flight offense so long as he remains on the field for San Francisco.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey named one of NFL's most versatile players
Continue reading...
