Sunday was a case of another week, another record for Christian McCaffrey, only this one was a biggy.
McCaffrey had a quiet day in terms of yardage in the 49ers’ 38-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He had 87 total scrimmage yards, rushing for 67 on the ground, three fewer than rookie backup Kaelon Black.
But he found the endzone twice, giving the 49ers a lead they never relinquished with a short-yardage plunge on the opening drive before scoring on a 12-yard reception in the second quarter.
It was
the latter touchdown that carried historical significance.
McCaffrey’s touchdown reception marked the 37th of his illustrious career and took him ahead of arguably the finest dual-threat running back in the history of the sport.
That score saw McCaffrey set the record the most touchdown receptions by a running back in the Super Bowl era, breaking his tie with Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk (36).
Like Faulk, McCaffrey is destined to end up in Canton, having established himself as the pre-eminent do-it-all back of his era, his skills as both a runner and a receiver weaponized to an even greater degree in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme.
Of course, Faulk has the one thing McCaffrey is still chasing, having won Super Bowl XXXIV with the St. Louis Rams.
But, having a backup in Black who can lessen the burden on him could be crucial in helping McCaffrey be at his best when it really counts in the postseason as he seeks to finally secure that Super Bowl ring.
“We love our room. I think with KB, when he comes in it’s such a spark. When I can come in and come out and get my wind, he goes in, balls out, comes out, gets his wind. If we can just continue to do that, man, I think we can be really special,” McCaffrey said after the win over Las Vegas.
“Jordan [James], also another guy who has been working so hard. When he touches the ball, he’s very dangerous as well. We’ve got a super high standard in that room and that’s because we know how good we can be. It’s because of guys like KB, because of guys like JJ and the rest of the guys who continue to push each other.”
