The San Francisco 49ers may have a minor quarterback controversy, but once they get it sorted out, they seem to be on track for a serious run at a Super Bowl championship.
They have the best defense in the NFL, but another reason why they can get it done is their overpowering duo at running back, the likes of which few teams can match.
In October, they traded for former Pro Bowler and All-Pro First-Team selection Christian McCaffrey, and he will team up with Elijah Mitchell this fall and winter to pulverize opposing defenses.
The @EliMitch15 x @CMC_22 RB duo 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZCfm1sBJGS
— NFL (@NFL) July 12, 2023
McCaffrey put up 746 rushing yards, 464 receiving yards, and 10 total touchdowns in 11 games with San Francisco, and he almost single-handedly transformed their offense, which had been anemic until he arrived.
In 2019, he became just the third player to ever amass 1,000 rushing and receiving yards in the same season, and his versatility has made him an outstanding fit in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Mitchell has been hit hard by the injury bug in his first two NFL seasons, but when healthy, he has been very solid, posting an average of 4.9 yards per rush attempt.
The Niners love to run the football more than most teams, and they certainly have the personnel to wear teams out while doing so.
Pro Football Focus recently ranked their running back group the very best in the league, and it will give them an array of options in their overall offensive attack.
When they don’t run the football, the 49ers can look to wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk or tight end George Kittle to move the chains.
Samuel also sometimes lines up in the backfield, which creates additional confusion for opponents and additional opportunities for San Francisco.
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49ers Insider Shuts Down A QB Narrative Surrounding The Team
