San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) Vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Kym Fortino/49ers
The San Francisco 49ers did not just get Christian McCaffrey back into the lineup; the team is back to a winning record. The 49ers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20, with a game-winning field goal. The win puts the 49ers at a 5-4 record. This was the first game for the 49ers after the bye week and McCaffrey’s season debut. Here is a look at how his first game back with the team went.
Christian McCaffrey’s First Game Back
With it being McCaffrey’s first game of the season, there were some questions on how much the star running back would play. Being the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, it is difficult to hold him back, but is he fit and healthy enough? Well, that question is now clear. It was not McCaffrey’s best game of his career, but it was a decent start to his season.
The 49ers struggled to get the run game going, but there were some big plays for McCaffrey. Despite not playing since February, he did not look too rusty. In the game, McCaffrey rushed the ball 13 times for 39 yards, according to ESPN. Rushing the ball 13 times is less than the 49ers would usually do, but given the way the game was going and having to be cautious, his amount of attempts makes sense.
The 49ers did get McCaffrey going in the passing game. He had six receptions for 68 yards. Quarterback Brock Purdy hit McCaffrey for a 30-yard reception in the fourth quarter while the 49ers were down 20-17. This was on a drive that led to a touchdown reception by tight end George Kittle.
It may not have been a career game for McCaffrey, but it was not a bad start.
Tampa Bay’s Defense
Credit has to go to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense. The Buccaneers were coming off of a physical Monday Night Football Game, but the defense still came out firing against the 49ers offense. Whether it be preventing the run or pressuring Purdy, the Tampa Bay defense played well.
The run game for the 49ers as a whole struggled. No matter which side of the field the 49ers ran to, Tampa Bay defenders were swarming. The longest run of the game was for 13 yards, with a run by McCaffrey. The 49ers rushed the ball for 75 yards. For the 49ers, this is something that must improve by their week 11 game.
Next Game for the San Francisco 49ers
The next game for the San Francisco 49ers will be against the Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 17. The 49ers defeated the Seahawks 36-24 on Oct. 11. It will be crucial for the 49ers to sweep the Seahawks and earn a 2-2 division record.
In the last matchup with the Seahawks, the 49ers rushed the ball for 228 yards and one touchdown, according to ESPN. The team’s leading rusher was Isaac Guerendo with 99 yards. According to ESPN, the Seahawks have allowed an average of 139.4 yards per game. If McCaffrey continues to build up his momentum, this could be a big game. The Seahawks will be coming off of their bye week.
Following the game, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to the media. He only reported one injury, which was for cornerback Renardo Green. While more injury updates will pop up throughout the week, as of now, it appears McCaffrey is walking out of his first game back healthy.
The San Francisco 49ers will face the Seattle Seahawks at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Nov. 17.
