Christian McCaffrey has earned a lot of respect around the NFL, with many younger running backs aspiring to achieve even a fraction of what the San Francisco 49ers star has accomplished. McCaffrey is coming off another impressive campaign, leading the NFL with 1,459 rushing yards and 2,023 scrimmage yards. He tied for the most total touchdowns with 21 and earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors. It was the second time in his illustrious career that he surpassed 2,000 scrimmage yards.
The 49ers will open the 2024 season by hosting the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium on September 9. McCaffrey recently received praise from the Jets' top running back, Breece Hall.
"I feel like right now McCaffrey's the best in the league," Hall said on June 11, according to Taylor Wirth of NBC Sports Bay Area. "To me, he sets the standard. We're going to see him in Week 1 and we're playing against some of the best linebackers. For me, it's exciting just to see where I stand and really let everyone see my full talent now that I'm healthy."
Hall is coming off his first full NFL season. He recorded 994 rushing yards and an impressive 1,585 scrimmage yards through 17 game appearances and 16 starts.
In Week 17 last season, the Jets traveled to New England, where Hall earned a career-high 178 rushing yards against the Patriots. Even more impressive is that he had another game last season, a Week 5 contest against the Denver Broncos, in which he rushed for 177 rushing yards.
"I ended the season on a good note," Hall added. "Just last season still not feeling like 100% all the time, but now I had my first offseason to not just be trying to get back, but to get better. And I've gotten better this offseason. I'm a lot leaner. I feel a lot healthier. My knee feels a lot better. I just feel like I'm back to my old self."
The 23-year-old running back aims to cause trouble for 49ers defenders in Week 1.