Christian McCaffrey’s Running Woes Raise Concerns for 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are facing a pressing issue with their running game, as the early statistics raise eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Through the first three games of the season, the 49ers are averaging a mere 3.3 yards per carry, placing them fifth-worst in the NFL. Christian McCaffrey, a player who has been a cornerstone of the franchise’s offense, is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry, a stark decline from his previous seasons where he averaged 4.0 yards in 2024 and 5.4 yards in 2023.
Analyzing McCaffrey’s Struggles
While it may be tempting to point fingers at the offensive line for McCaffrey’s struggles, the numbers tell a different story. The 49ers’ offensive line is indeed underperforming, but the team’s average of 2.4 yards per carry before contact ranks them 14th in the league, indicating that the line’s performance is slightly above average. The real issue lies in the aftermath of contact; the 49ers are averaging just 0.9 yards per carry after contact, which ranks dead last in the NFL. This statistic suggests that the challenges with the running game are more closely tied to the performance of the running backs rather than the blocking unit.
In examining McCaffrey’s individual performance, he averages 2.6 yards per carry before contact and a disappointing 0.8 yards after contact. His backup, Brian Robinson Jr., fares slightly better with 3.2 yards before contact and 1.2 yards after contact. The performance of these two backs starkly contrasts with Jordan Mason, who was traded to Minnesota this offseason. Mason, now the starting running back for the Vikings, averages 2.2 yards per carry after contact, showcasing a level of efficiency that the 49ers’ current backs have yet to match.
McCaffrey’s Strengths Remain in the Passing Game
Despite these concerning rushing statistics, McCaffrey remains an elite receiving threat. He is averaging 6.3 yards after the catch per reception, exhibiting his ability to be a dynamic playmaker in the passing game. For context, last season he averaged 6.9 yards after the catch, earning accolades as one of the best players in the league. Quarterbacks targeting him have achieved a passer rating of 104.8 this season, highlighting his effectiveness as a receiver.
However, the running aspect of McCaffrey’s game appears to be lacking. He is no longer showcasing the explosive ability to break tackles and gain extra yardage. Instead, he often finds himself being hit directly and pushed backward, a scenario that was rare for him in previous seasons.
Reevaluating the Running Game Strategy
Given the current state of the running game, the 49ers may need to consider a shift in strategy. Implementing a running back committee could provide a solution. This would involve giving Robinson Jr. more opportunities while exploring the potential contributions of Isaac Guerendo and Jordan James. Another option could be to utilize McCaffrey more creatively, positioning him in the slot while featuring one of the other backs in the backfield.
The 49ers have a wealth of talent at their disposal. It’s time to leverage that talent effectively to revitalize a running game that has struggled in the early part of the season.
