Summary:
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that running back Christian McCaffrey would play a crucial role in their upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons, aiming for 40 carries. Tight end George Kittle, who returned after a five-game absence, set a personal goal for McCaffrey to be named NFC Player of the Week.
In the game, the 49ers secured a 20-10 victory, improving their record to 5-2. McCaffrey had an impressive performance, amassing 129 rushing yards and two touchdowns, along with seven receptions for 72 yards, totaling 201 scrimmage yards—62% of the team’s total. This marked his sixth game this season with over 50 rushing and receiving yards, breaking an NFL record for the first seven games.
Kittle’s presence was significant, allowing McCaffrey to thrive, as shown by his substantial stats when Kittle was on the field versus when he wasn’t. Kittle’s return also energized the team after losing star linebacker Fred Warner to injury; players wore shirts in support of him before the game. Linebacker Tatum Bethune, filling in for Warner, made a strong impact with 10 tackles, helping the Niners limit the Falcons to just 292 total yards and a season-low 62 rushing yards.
