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The San Francisco 49ers saw significant success in 2023, despite a slow start to the season and multiple midseason quarterback changes due to injury, forcing seventh-round rookie Brock Purdy into action.
A crucial part of that formula? Christian McCaffrey, who instantly elevated the 49ers' offense upon his arrival via trade at the midseason mark.
McCaffrey changed the outlook of the offense, creating a more efficient offense on the ground, but more importantly, changing the dynamics of the 49ers' passing attack with his presence out of the backfield.
Additionally, McCaffrey made the pace of the game easier for both veteran Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie Brock Purdy, as the 49ers' offense averaged over 30 points per game since the running back was fully integrated into the offense during Week 8.
The 49ers have an elite corps of skill-position players in Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle, but I shared my belief that McCaffrey was the team's offensive MVP last season after the way he changed the offense and the quarterback's comfortability upon his arrival.
However, is Christian McCaffrey the most valuable member of the 49ers' offense?
Earlier this week, as the 49ers began organized team activities(OTAs), there were several reports regarding the quarterback position, as expected, but McCaffrey's name consistently came up, setting the tone for the team with his competitiveness.
When asked about the running back's effort, quarterback Trey Lance praised McCaffrey on setting the tone early and becoming an immediate leader in the locker room, despite joining a team of proven stars midseason last year.
"Yeah, [Christian McCaffrey] sets the standard," Lance said. "He's quickly grown into a great leader in our locker room, and I think a lot of guys had a feeling that that would happen pretty quickly just based on who he is. And after meeting him, how he carries himself. Just a very impressive human being. Some people call him like a little [DL Nick] Bosa, just the way he's just so meticulous with his routine and how he takes care of his body. And I've learned a ton from him, not only football, but being able to talk ball with him is awesome just because he's seen so many different offenses, defenses and looks. Just being able to be around him as far as his routine and how meticulous he is."
While OTAs are voluntary, which normally leads to some key veterans continuing their offseason regimen outside of the facility, McCaffrey being one of the hardest workers on the field is significant for the team, and further proves his value to the team, not only as a player, but as a leader that works by example.
The 49ers have a number of integral players to their offensive core that also includes star left tackle Trent Williams, but McCaffrey is standing out with his leadership during his first offseason with the team, fresh off a year where he was the offensive MVP of the team, despite being integrated for only half the year.
How Christian McCaffrey unlocked the 49ers offense, per John Lynch
By David Bonilla
Sep 21
The San Francisco 49ers struggled to a .500 record in their first six games last season. Knowing that the talent was there, the team's decision-makers looked to make a move that could elevate the roster to a Super Bowl contender. That move was trading for running back Christian McCaffrey.
McCaffrey suited up in red and gold just two days after arriving in Santa Clara. His first start came the next week against the Los Angeles Rams. San Francisco won that game and the 11 that followed, reaching the NFC Championship Game for the third time in four seasons.
The decision to add yet another playmaker paid off.
"We really felt like Christian, already having [WR] Deebo [Samuel], having [WR Brandon] Aiyuk, having [TE George] Kittle, having [RB] Elijah
49ers RB Christian McCaffrey once again nominated for FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week
By David Bonilla
Sep 18
Running back Christian McCaffrey has once again been nominated for the FedEx Ground Player of the Week, an award he won after Week 1. The latest nomination comes after the San Francisco 49ers' Week 2 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
McCaffrey rushed for 116 yards on 20 carries (5.8-yard average) and a rushing touchdown in the win over the Rams. His 268 rushing yards through the first two weeks of the season leads the NFL by an 88-yard margin.
Other nominees for this week's award are Miami running back Raheem Mostert, who rushed for 121 yards on 18 carries (6.7 average) and two touchdowns in Week 2, and Philadelphia running back D'Andre Swift, who rushed for 175 yards on 28 attempts (6.3 average) and a touchdown.
FedEx gives fans the opportunity
49ers starting to figure out running back rotation behind Christian McCaffrey
By Rohan Chakravarthi
Sep 24
Through the first two games of the season, San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey dominated the team's touches, recording 27 in Week 1, when he rushed for 152 yards and a touchdown, and 23 in Week 2, when he gained 116 yards on the ground and another touchdown.
When on the field, McCaffrey was dominant, but he was earning a lion's share of the reps at running back, including a 100% snap share in Week 2 during the 49ers' 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
That led to head coach Kyle Shanahan taking some accountability after the Week 2 win, understanding the need to balance the running back rotation to preserve McCaffrey for the full season.
"Yeah, we definitely got to get Elijah in there more and do better with our rotation than
49ers mailbag: Is Christian McCaffrey being overused? Should Spencer Burford be benched? Is Steve Wilkes who the defense needs? When is Nick Bosa going to show up?
By Marc Adams
Sep 19
The San Francisco 49ers are 2-0 to start off the 2023 season. In 2021, the 49ers won their first two games but then lost their next four. A win Thursday night, in the home opener against the New York Giants, would be the 49ers' first 3-0 start since 2019. That season, the team started out 8-0 before going on to win the NFC West and cruise through the NFC playoffs on their way to a birth in Super Bowl LIV.
I can't seem to remember how that game turned out, though. It's like it's been blocked from my memory.
It doesn't matter, because we've moved on to the current season. And to celebrate the 2-0 start, we've opened up the mailbag to answer those questions burning a hole in your mind. So let's get to it.
Marc, what did ya think of CMC channelling
