There’s been three constants for the 49ers this season, despite all the ups and downs, injuries, contract drama – it’s Kyle Shanahan, Robert Saleh and Christian McCaffrey.
In a season where the 49ers’ starting quarterback missed eight games, their All-Pro tight end has missed six games, their Hall-of-Fame caliber defensive stars have missed the most of the season and their number one receiver has missed over a month, Christian McCaffrey was the steadying force.
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A Workload Unlike Any Other
While McCaffrey’s eighth among all running backs with 1,179 rushing yards this season and 23rd in rushing yards per attempt at 3.9, it’s the volume and workload that he’s handled which has been otherworldly.
On the flip side, McCaffrey’s been by far the best receiving back this season, accounting for 890 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 96 catches. His overall usage has been off the charts, as he’s touched the ball on 38.4% of offensive snaps this season, which leads all non-quarterbacks in the NFL. Not accounting for special teams, McCaffrey’s second in all-purpose yards this season, trailing Falcons’ Bijan Robinson.
The Engine Keeping the 49ers Alive
There’s a huge reason that the 49ers are currently one of the last eight teams playing and don’t look any further than their star running back who’s shouldered a superhuman workload to keep the 49ers afloat until their other offensive stars got healthy.
Reframing the MVP Conversation
Generally, the NFL’s most valuable player award seems to have gone to the best quarterback on the best team recently. It makes sense, it’s the one position on the field that touches the ball on every single play and has the biggest impact on the outcome of the game.
But this season, there isn’t a clear-cut quarterback that’s deserving of being the most valuable player in the NFL. Matthew Stafford’s put together the best season on the most complete team, but is he deserving if they’re just a wild-card team? Drake Maye’s had an impressive year, but the Patriots have faced the easiest defensive schedule in the NFL, per Football Outsiders’ DVOA.
With no obvious quarterback that’s deserving of the award like in years past, it makes sense to look at other positions.
Enter: Christian McCaffrey
Not missing a single game this season, while half the offensive starters missed games this season provides huge stability for Kyle Shanahan and the offense. There’s also a Steph Curry-like gravity to Christian McCaffrey’s game that cannot be quantified.
He’s become a prolific receiver out of the backfield and his gravity sucks in multiple defenders opening up passing lanes for the other 49ers’ pass catchers to make plays this season.
MVP Moments on the Biggest Stage
His two touchdowns on Sunday against the Eagles was a huge reason why the 49ers are advancing to the Divisional Round and his over-the-shoulder catch from wideout Jauan Jennings perfectly embodies why he’s one of the most uniquely talented players in NFL history.
How many running backs – or wide receivers – can make that catch? He came down with it and then iced the Eagles with the go-ahead touchdown later in the fourth quarter.
That’s MVP-level play if you ask me.
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