49ers RB Christian McCaffrey turning into a ‘Run CMC’ hit

The 49ers have gone 2-1 since picking up Christian McCaffrey, and his unique playstyle is going to be a vital X-factor down the stretch.

In 1997, RUN DMC had one of its biggest hits ever outside of the United States. This came one year after new San Francisco 49ers running back, Christian McCaffrey, would enter the earth eventually becoming one of the biggest hits in the NFL.

Or, should we say “Run CMC?”

McCaffrey, born June 7, 1996, joined the Niners just before this year’s NFL trade deadline and is now the team’s premier back and a go-to weapon for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo with the hope of helping San Francisco berth back-to-back trips to the playoffs and perhaps clinch its first NFC West title since 2019.

Run CMC was minimally involved during his first game with the 49ers in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs, but he was the start in the Niners’ Week 8 win over the Los Angeles Rams, registering three touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving and one passing) in the victory.

In San Francisco’s first game after their bye week, squaring off against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football, McCaffrey was involved in 11 plays during the first half where he accumulated 39 yards rushing and receiving.

On the first drive of the second half, McCaffrey doubled both categories in yards rushing and receiving. He also ran for a 2-yard score early in the fourth quarter, and this gave the 49ers the lead for good:

For McCaffrey to be successful, it is up to Garoppolo, to hand the ball off and/or throw it to him downfield. As a previously proven dual threat, CMC should be a primary focus for the offense if the Niners look to fulfill their Super Bowl aspirations.

With Elijah Mitchell’s first game back since suffering an MCL sprain in Week 1, he rushed for 89 yards. Garoppolo scored a rushing touchdown, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel also rushed for 27 yards against the Chargers.

49ers are 2-1 since the Christian McCaffrey trade with a pair of wins vs. Los Angeles teams

After going 1-6 with the Carolina Panthers before the trade, CMC is now 2-1 since changing colors over to red and gold. Now as a physical stalwart and premiere back for San Francisco, McCaffrey looks to help the 49ers make their third NFC Championship in the past four years.

While CMC is just two touchdowns shy of his total production in the past two seasons combined, the Niners are looking for their recent backfield acquisition to start affecting the win column more.

In order for San Francisco to continue to contest, “Run CMC” must be a bigger part of this offense to keep opposing defenses honest.