The San Francisco 49ers’ offense finds itself at a crossroads, necessitating a shift in strategy.
Since acquiring Christian McCaffrey in 2022, the 49ers’ offensive approach has centered around him. However, this dependency on McCaffrey was evident in last season’s playoffs, where he shouldered the dual role of leading rusher and top receiver. Despite boasting an impressive array of offensive weapons, the team’s offensive identity became overly reliant on McCaffrey, a narrative that ultimately faltered in the Super Bowl.
The championship showdown against the Chiefs exposed vulnerabilities in McCaffrey’s game. His effectiveness as a ball carrier was limited, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry and committing a costly fumble. Despite his contributions as a receiver, highlighted by eight receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown, the 49ers’ struggles on third down were glaring, contributing significantly to their Super Bowl defeat.
Amidst the disappointment of the Super Bowl loss, McCaffrey remains dedicated to his craft, as evidenced by recent sightings of him diligently training at the track.
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In the 2023 season, McCaffrey’s impact on third down was notably limited. With just 10 receptions on third down, only five of those catches resulted in first downs, ranking him as the team’s fifth option behind Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Jauan Jennings.
To contend with formidable opponents like the Chiefs in future Super Bowls, the 49ers must enhance their performance on third down, an area where McCaffrey’s skill set may not be the most advantageous. Therefore, as the team looks to extend Brock Purdy’s contract in the upcoming season, it wouldn’t be surprising if they opt to trade McCaffrey as well, thereby freeing up valuable cap space amounting to almost $8 million.
Moving forward, the 49ers recognize the imperative to evolve their offensive strategy, no longer centering it around a single running back but instead diversifying their approach to achieve sustained success.
