Despite a littany of injuries, the San Francisco 49ers continue to find ways to win games amid their 5-2 start atop the NFC West.
Last night was no different, as during their win over the Atlanta Falcons, the defense featured five rookies and four second-year players. Backup quarterback Mac Jones started in place of Brock Purdy and the Niners are still without a chunk of their starting wide recievers.
But one constant remains the same, running back Christian McCaffrey, who continues to carry San Fran's offense with historic performances.
Christian McCaffrey makes history on SNF
McCaffrey totaled 129 yards on the ground last night and 72 yards through the air, scoring two touchdowns in the process.
The performance marked the seventh time in the former Stanford star's career he had 100+ rushing yards and 70+ recieving yards, breaking a tie with NFL legends Priest Holmes and Marshall Faulk to have the most such games.
On the season, McCaffrey has totaled 465 rushing yards on 132 carries with three touchdowns. He's also hauled in 53 catches for 516 recieving yards and three touchdowns through the air.
It's obvious the 49ers wouldn't be where they are without their star running back.
Just look at how the team did last year, when McCaffrey was limited to only four games. They missed the postseason and finished with a lowly 6-11 record.
With a healthy CMC, the Niners hold first place in the NFC West, and considering they're only going to get healthier as the season progresses, the rest of the league is on notice.
More 49ers news:
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- Mac Jones' status for 49ers-Buccaneers in question after injury report
- John Lynch provides injury update on 49ers quarterback Mac Jones
- 49ers, Buccaneers named possible trade suitors for Giants' $31 million, 23.5-sack machine
- Mac Jones, George Kittle, Jauan Jennings get positive injury updates from 49ers GM
- George Kittle injury update: 49ers star gets estimated return date from Kyle Shanahan