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.