The San Francisco 49ers finished 12-5 last season, but aside from injuries, they had one fatal flaw. They lacked the same "big play" ability that fans are used to seeing. Instead, they relied on methodical, 10-plus-play drives to generate offensive production. As a result, running back Christian McCaffrey easily led all NFL running backs with 102 receptions. The next closest had 79.
Explosive additions De'Zhaun Stribling and Kaelon Black will hopefully open up the offense. Still, in the 49ers' season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, they might be forced to rely on the same snail-paced scoring attack, and the burden might yet again rest on CMC's shoulders.
Last season, the Rams allowed the 10th-most receptions to the running back position, in large part to their top-eight pass rush defense. Their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks resulted in constant dump-offs, thus making it difficult to burn them with explosive, longer-developing plays.
Rams revamped defense could force 49ers into all-too familiar territory
Now the Rams enter the 2026 season having bolstered their pass rush even further. They swapped edge rusher Jared Verse for two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, and they recently lured future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald out of retirement. Assuming Donald suits up for the contest, the Niners will be forced to compete against a star-studded defensive cast.
The Rams' smothering pass rush could force the 49ers to default to a familiar formula: using McCaffrey as a primary receiving option. More pressure means less time for Brock Purdy to throw, thus leading to a plethora of dump-offs.
Though the superstar is arguably one of the best receiving backs of all time, there is such a thing as over-relying on him. Last season, his heavy receiving workload forced him to accumulate touches at an alarming rate. He touched the ball 450 times between the regular and postseason - a lofty sum for someone who just turned 30.
Another 100-catch season for CMC is not 49ers' ideal game plan
The 49ers were not their best selves when McCaffrey was the primary pass catcher. He averaged 9.1 yards per reception, an elite metric for a running back, but suboptimal as a first-read option. For context, tight end George Kittle had his least efficient year in 2026, and he still averaged 11.0 yards per catch.
Though fantasy owners may love CMC's inevitable receiving work in Week 1, it might not be a winning formula. The Niners are busy preparing for their showdown in Australia, and, hopefully, Kyle Shanahan is scheming up ways for the aforementioned Stribling and Mike Evans to get open downfield. Meanwhile, fans are praying that the offensive line holds up long enough for Purdy to buy some time in the pocket.
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