5 takeaways from 49ers dominant Week 14 victory over Buccaneers

49ers takeaway No. 4: Christian McCaffrey trade continues to be a masterstroke

There were more than a few raised eyebrows that the 49ers would invest some of their dwindling picks to upgrade the running back position midseason, with some wondering if it was a redundant move.

And true enough, it was risky, with Christian McCaffrey enjoying a good bill of health this season but being stuck on the sidelines for the past few seasons prior. The Niners have enough injuries without paying draft picks for another.

But there’s no denying the results.

McCaffrey just adds an extra dimension that was lacking in previous running backs. He’s as adept at receiving the ball as he is rushing it, and his ability to be a safety valve has been a key factor in San Francisco opening up the passing game.

McCaffrey took full advantage of the Buccaneers in this game, rushing for 119 yards and a touchdown off 14 carries while adding to that with two receptions for 34 yards and another touchdown.

Tampa Bay had no answer for him, and he gashed them wide open time and time again. When Elijah Mitchell returns to the fold from his own leg injury, McCaffrey will be even more efficient since the 49ers can make sure he’s not worn down too much.

Even then, rookie Jordan Mason has been doing an admirable job on that front also.

When the trade happened, you could be forgiven for thinking the Niners paid too much, but not it seems they didn’t pay nearly enough.