Falcons provide much-needed elixir to woeful part of 49ers offense

The San Francisco 49ers probably didn't mind settling into a low-scoring affair on Sunday Night Football against the visiting Atlanta Falcons, especially in light of coordinator Robert Saleh's defense missing so many critical components, particularly linebacker Fred Warner, who suffered a horrid ankle injury the previous week.

One of the best ways the Niners could do this was by succeeding at something they hadn't been winning at much of this season: the run game.

The 49ers pulled off the 20-10 victory, but it wasn't due to a high-flying passing attack from backup quarterback Mac Jones and his array of wide receivers, who are still without the injured Ricky Pearsall and Brandon Aiyuk.

Instead, the Niners got back to the ground.

San Francisco hadn't had a 100-yard rushing game since Week 1's victory over the Seattle Seahawks. But, against a Falcons team that entered Week 7 allowing an average of 4.8 yards per carry, the opportunity was certainly there to get head coach Kyle Shanahan's ground game going.

And All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, too, who not only boasted two season-long run of 15 yards but also a 2025-best of 129 yards on the ground, averaging 5.4 yards per carry in the process.

Oh, and McCaffrey's 72 yards through the air certainly helped, too.

The 49ers had 100 rush yards in the first half, finishing the whole game with 175 on the ground.

49ers' run game finds footing in win vs. Falcons

McCaffrey's breakout game was aided by the return of the uber-versatile tight end, George Kittle, who had been shelved on injured reserve since Week 1 with a hamstring injury. Despite not recording a catch in his return, Kittle nevertheless played a significant role in opening up holes on the outside for McCaffrey and Co.

On the inside, the Niners' embattled offensive line was more than sufficient, particularly with center Jake Brendel going out with an injury and opening up the door for backup Matt Hennessy, helping alongside rookie left guard Connor Colby to will McCaffrey forward for a crucial touchdown late in the fourth quarter that all but sealed the victory for Shanahan and Co.:

Although the NFL rules analysts might not have been a fan of the play, but San Francisco won't complain about the non-call.

With the primetime victory, the 49ers improve to 5-2 and retain their hold on the NFC West despite the ever-growing list of injuries.

And it has to feel good knowing McCaffrey and the run game appear to be back on track once more.