San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is delivering an outstanding performance this season in his second campaign for the Bay Area-based team.
The 27-year-old was already an outstanding player in his early years in the NFL. He was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the eighth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft after three seasons of college football at Stanford University.
McCaffrey was named in the 2018 Second Team All-Pro and the 2019 First Team All-Pro as a running back and a flex.
During the middle of the 2022 NFL season, McCaffrey was traded to San Francisco. The deal involved the 49ers acquiring McCaffrey in exchange for a second, third, and fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The former Stanford player made his second Pro Bowl game selection in his first campaign for the Niners, adjusting quickly and becoming an integral player for the team. He also performed well in the postseason as they reached the NFC Championship Game, losing to the Philadelphia Eagles.
As the 2023 season progressed, McCaffrey's performance escalated, and he has emerged as one of the top candidates for the 2023 NFL Most Valuable Player award alongside two of the best quarterbacks in the league, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and 49ers teammate Brock Purdy.
Along his incredible 2023 campaign, he set several records, including breaking Jerry Rice's longstanding franchise record for the most consecutive games with a touchdown with 17.
Read more: Baltimore Ravens: Did Lamar Jackson Secure 2023 MVP After Win vs. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers?
Christian McCaffrey, the undisputed best running back this season
McCaffrey leads the league in rushing attempts with 258 and rushing yards with 1,395. In the category of rushing touchdowns, he holds the third position with 14, trailing behind Raheem Mostert and Jalen Hurts.
Moreover, the two-time Pro Bowl game selection leads the league in total touchdowns from scrimmage with an impressive 21. His receiving prowess is evident as he tops all running backs with 537 receiving yards, leaving Rachaad White in second place with 507.
Additionally, the Colorado native leads the NFL in rushing first downs with 78 and boasts the highest yards per carry among running backs with at least 200 rushing attempts.
Christian McCaffrey delivered during the biggest game of the season
During their Christmas Day clash against the Baltimore Ravens at home, McCaffrey played well in a game that featured three MVP candidates.
The running back delivered a commendable performance, amassing 103 rushing yards and securing a touchdown from 14 carries. Additionally, he contributed six receptions for 28 yards.
On the other hand, McCaffrey's teammate and fellow MVP candidate, Brock Purdy, struggled to find his rhythm. The signal-caller completed 18 of 32 attempts, garnering 255 yards and throwing four interceptions. The Niners lost the much-anticipated game with a score of 33-19.
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