Christian McCaffrey shifts credit to his blockers after highlight reel touchdown run
Christian McCaffrey had one of the standout plays of Week 1 when he ripped off a 65-yard touchdown run during the 49ers' 30-7 beatdown of the Steelers. It was another spectacular demonstration of the big-play upside that has established McCaffrey as arguably the most valuable weapon on a 49er offense stacked with them. McCaffrey finished […]
Christian McCaffrey had one of the standout plays of Week 1 when he ripped off a 65-yard touchdown run during the 49ers' 30-7 beatdown of the Steelers.
It was another spectacular demonstration of the big-play upside that has established McCaffrey as arguably the most valuable weapon on a 49er offense stacked with them.
McCaffrey finished with 169 yards from scrimmage, with 152 of those coming on the ground. However, the 49ers' Pro Bowl running back was quick to deflect praise for his highlight reel run to his blockers.
San Francisco's offensive line did an excellent job getting a hat on a hat across the board, but it was the effort of wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Ray-Ray McCloud with their downfield blocking that really stood out.
And McCaffrey made sure to highlight their contributions in his post-game press conference.
He said:
"Yeah it was awesome blocking, those guys up front, the whole run game it's an 11-man job and they made great blocks. I got a little spin in there, got sprung and then, man, Aiyuk and Ray-Ray downfield, when you've got receivers who block like that, it's a special feeling for a running back because you truly feel like your guys have your back and that's an awesome feeling to have when you're out there. When all 11 are committed to the run game, you've got a fullback who's the best in the league, a tight end who's the best in the league at what he does and all five O-Lineman working their a** off all day, it's to be able to go out there and run the ball behind people who are so committed to do it."
McCaffrey's touchdown run was the highlight of a dominant effort by the 49er run game. San Francisco, with McCaffrey averaging 6.9 yards per rush, comfortably won the battle up front, the Niners finding a lot of joy on the gap scheme runs up the middle that have become an increasingly large part of their attack.
The 49ers might want to lessen McCaffrey's workload somewhat in the coming weeks as they hope to ensure he stays healthy for what most anticipate will be another campaign that will end deep in the postseason.
It will be tough to keep McCaffrey off the field, though, if he continues to perform in this manner, with his incredible skill set and the Niners' commitment to blocking potentially setting him up for a truly special 2023 season.
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