Lynch believes McCaffrey is ‘close to busting out’ for 49ers

Programming note: Watch Matt Maiocco's full "Game Plan" interview with John Lynch at 9:30 p.m. PT Friday on NBC Sports Bay Area. SANTA CLARA — Running back Christian McCaffrey has looked nothing like the NFL Offensive Player of the Year through his first three games back on the field. But 49ers general manager John Lynch said he anticipates McCaffrey will soon experience the same success he's achieved since the trade that brought him to the organization in 2022. "My eyes tell me he's close to busting out," Lynch said on 49ers Game Plan. McCaffrey has gained just 149 yards on 43 rushing attempts (3.5 average) while catching 13 passes for 132 yards. After scoring 21 touchdowns last season, McCaffrey has not gotten into the end zone this season after sitting out the first eight games with Achilles tendinitis in both legs. "You watch a player like Christian, he didn't have the foundation of an offseason because this thing started bothering him when it did," Lynch said. "So you don't have the foundation, and that's tough for anyone. "The good news is, he's healthy. He has really responded in good fashion. And the last couple games, I think it's just that we've struggled to stay on...