Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Bleacher Report contributor Brad Gagnon recently named every NFL team’s most disappointing player so far this season, and his pick for the San Francisco 49ers may surprise fans—running back Christian McCaffrey.
On the surface, McCaffrey’s production doesn’t suggest a letdown. The star running back is on pace to surpass 2,300 scrimmage yards this season, nearing his career-high mark of 2,392 yards from 2019. That total would even top the 2,023 scrimmage yards he posted during his 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year campaign.
However, Gagnon’s reasoning focuses on McCaffrey’s rushing efficiency rather than his overall impact. While McCaffrey exploded for 201 scrimmage yards in Sunday night’s win over the Atlanta Falcons, his 129 rushing yards marked the first time this season he’s topped 69 yards on the ground.
“While the three-time Pro Bowler has at least remained healthy as the rest of the roster crumbles, he’s averaging a career-low 3.5 yards per carry,” Gagnon explained. “That said, he carried the team to victory in Week 7.”
Against Atlanta, McCaffrey averaged a season-high 5.4 yards per carry and 6.5 yards per touch, earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance.
Gagnon added, “Again, I’m just trying to avoid going after injured guys, but Brandon Aiyuk would also be an acceptable answer here.”
If McCaffrey continues to build on his Week 7 performance, he could quickly erase any perception of disappointment. His next opportunity comes Sunday against the Houston Texans, whose defense ranks among the NFL’s best against the run, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry—tied for fifth-lowest in the league.
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