Christian McCaffrey put on a show in the San Francisco 49ers‘ 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts on December 22 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The dual-threat running back was again a menace to the opposition through the ground and air.
McCaffrey racked up 117 yards rushing on 21 carries while recording 29 receiving yards on six receptions, along with two touchdowns. The veteran running back continues to be a reliable option for the 49ers. However, could they be leaning on him too much?
On the December 23 edition of “The Herd,” host Colin Cowherd believes that the Niners are overusing McCaffrey heading into their Week 17 game against the Chicago Bears. While San Francisco are still fighting for the division after clinching a playoff berth, Cowherd notes that the 49ers should rest their star player when the opportunity presents itself.
“Seventh time this year, [McCaffrey has] had 27 plus touches,” Cowherd said. “No other player in the league has had more than three. He’s a 29-year-old with an injury history. The game was out of reach. They already have two fewer days to prepare for a very good team, Chicago. That game means something for the Niners.
“Christian McCaffrey next week will blow through Saquon Barkley’s touches of last year, which, if you’ve watched Saquon this year, he feels like a bit of a shot fighter. In fact, if you look at most touches among teams in playoff positions, McCaffrey not only leads the league, he’s a mile ahead of No. 2, James Cook… He’s the third-best running back I’ve ever seen, but they’re overusing him.”
49ers’ Kyle Shanahan Doesn’t Hold Back on Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy also had an impressive game in the win over the Colts. He led the charge as he completed 25 of 34 passes for 295 passing yards while recording five touchdowns and one interception. The 49ers star was lethal in the red zone for the visitors, going 4-for-6 on their attempts inside the 20-yard line.
After the win over the Colts, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t hold back on what he thought of Purdy’s performance.
“He did awesome, man,” Shanahan told reporters (h/t 95.7 The Game). “Played really well. Got on him for a couple he missed, but it was pretty close to a perfect game. So he did a hell of a job.”
Brock Purdy Gets Blunt Words From Trent Williams
Moreover, 49ers offensive lineman Trent Williams didn’t hold back when praising the quarterback during his conversation with Scott Van Pelt of ESPN.
“He’s resilient, and he carries a certain peace about him right now that keeps him from getting rattled,” Williams said postgame on ESPN. “He’s truly confident in his abilities and fully trusts the scheme, and it radiates from him, something the whole offense can feel; he’s our leader, and we follow him.”
Williams and the rest of the offensive line did an excellent job giving Purdy time to drop back and pick apart the Colts’ defense. Indianapolis’ defense recorded only one sack in the game, and the only blemish for the 49ers quarterback was the interception.
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