How 49ers’ McCaffrey can make versatile NFL history vs. Bucs
originally appeared on
NBC Sports Bay Area
Christian McCaffrey is widely regarded as the most versatile offensive player in the NFL today, and the standout running back for the 49ers may go down as one of the most dynamic athletes to ever play on the football field.
McCaffrey’s multifaceted skills have been evident since he joined the
49ers in a midseason trade
last year, and he’s off to an historic start in the 2023 NFL season.
History is on the line for McCaffrey as the 49ers prepare to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their Week 11 showdown on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
Heading into Sunday’s game, McCaffrey has 480 career receptions from the backfield. With just four more, he will surpass the mark set by former 49ers great Roger Craig (483) for the most catches by a running back in his first seven seasons, according to NFL game notes.
With eight games left in the 2023 season, McCaffrey is poised to shatter Craig’s record and establish a new benchmark for all-purpose running backs.
In addition, McCaffrey has the opportunity to further enhance two stats in which he currently leads the NFL, which could lead to even more history by the end of the season.
McCaffrey leads the league with 747 rushing yards, 122 more than Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (625). He has held the top spot since amassing 152 yards in the season-opening victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he aims to maintain that position throughout the season.
Interestingly, McCaffrey hasn’t exceeded 100 yards rushing in a game since Week 4 against the Arizona Cardinals, yet he has managed to build a comfortable lead over Henry.
Furthermore, McCaffrey tops all NFL running backs with 339 receiving yards this season. According to NFL game notes, he could become the first running back to lead the position in both rushing and receiving yards for an entire season since former Houston Texans star Arian Foster in 2010.
The Buccaneers’ defense presents an intriguing challenge for McCaffrey, as Tampa Bay has allowed the sixth-fewest rushing yards this season (785) while giving up the fifth-most passing yards (2,402).
McCaffrey, whose
streak of scoring a touchdown
in 17 consecutive games came to an end last Sunday in Jacksonville, has his work cut out for him on Sunday. However, it’s unlikely that he will back down from this challenge.
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ohn Smith is your NFL insider, providing in-depth coverage of football’s biggest league. With a passion for the game and a keen eye for statistics, John delivers game analysis, player profiles, and breaking news to keep readers updated on all things NFL.
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