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.
Christian McCaffrey calls Kyle Shanahan's 49ers scheme the "most sustainable" in the NFL
By David Bonilla
May 29
You've heard stories about San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan installing a play and breaking down exactly how he expects the defense to react. Then, when the players execute the play, everything occurs as the coach explained, as if he had a crystal ball to predict the outcome.
Shanahan is a confident play-caller, emphasizing execution by his players to ensure everything goes as planned. The 49ers acquired a big-time playmaker last season, trading for star running back Christian McCaffrey, who had already established himself as one of the most versatile players in the league.
Even McCaffrey marvels at the things his play-caller comes up
How Christian McCaffrey responded to a question about the 49ers' QB uncertainty
By David Bonilla
May 26
A healthy Brock Purdy undoubtedly sits atop the San Francisco 49ers' quarterback depth chart. However, he's not healthy. While he is expected to begin throwing again next week, he likely remains months away from being medically cleared to play in a game.
In the meantime, Trey Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in 2021, is competing with another former No. 3 overall pick, Sam Darnold, for the QB2 job. One of the two players could start Week 1 of the 2023 season if Purdy isn't ready by then.
Of the quarterbacks on the roster, running back Christian McCaffrey has only played with Purdy and Darnold. Lance suffered his season-ending ankle injury before McCaffrey's arrival. McCaffrey and Darnold were teammates in Carolina.
The running back joined the Rich
Why Christian McCaffrey is excited about his 49ers future
By David Bonilla
May 26
It seemed so unfair. At least, that's what Rich Eisen thought when he heard rumors swirling that the San Francisco 49ers were looking to trade for star running back Christian McCaffrey. It just wasn't fair ... for the rest of the NFL.
Like so many, Eisen has a great deal of respect for head coach Kyle Shanahan's system and the already-talented roster he and general manager John Lynch have built over the years.
McCaffrey joined the Rich Eisen Show on Friday, and the two reflected on the trade that sent him from the Carolina Panthers to Shanahan's 49ers, a situation Eisen called "a perfect fit."
"I'm definitely excited," McCaffrey told Eisen. "Like you said, it's a great fit for me. It's a great fit for, really, any skill player. It's a great
SI makes 49ers predictions involving the Super Bowl, Christian McCaffrey, Talanoa Hufanga
By David Bonilla
May 31
Conor Orr continues his annual tradition of making 100 bold predictions for the upcoming season. That's a lot of predictions to sift through. Luckily for you, I've pulled out the San Francisco 49ers-related ones for this article. That doesn't mean the others aren't worth your time, though. So head over to the Sports Illustrated feature to peruse the remaining 96.
For now, here are Orr's 49ers-related predictions.
49ers-Bengals Super Bowl clash
The good news is that Orr predicts the 49ers to be among the Super Bowl participants in February. The bad news is that he has the Cincinnati Bengals handing San Francisco its third
