CMC showcases 49ers’ selfless mantra on game-sealing play vs. Eagles

CMC showcases 49ers’ selfless mantra on game-sealing play vs. Eagles originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Selfishness doesn’t fly on the 49ers, with countless offensive stars divvying up targets and plenty of other jobs to do when a player isn’t holding the ball.

That selfless attitude was on display during San Francisco’s 42-19 rout of the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field, courtesy of Christian McCaffrey’s block up the middle on a game-sealing touchdown pass from quarterback Brock Purdy to receiver Jauan Jennings in the fourth quarter.

For those who might have missed it, the 49ers running back broke down his role in the play during an interview with NBC Sports’ Peter King after the game.

“We kind of expected blitz right there,” McCaffrey told King from the 49ers’ team plane. “We talked a little bit before that, and we said Jauan was the hot receiver if they did end up bringing a zero blitz [seven rushers, no defenders deep].

“It’s part of playing the running-back position. The most important thing is protection and being able to sink your hips and block a linebacker up the middle.”

McCaffrey fulfilling that duty helped Purdy assess the field with a clean pocket despite the blitz and find Jennings for an 18-yard score, giving the 49ers some much-needed insurance in what had been a two-score game with nearly 11 minutes left.

It’s not anything new for the 49ers Faithful, who are used to San Francisco’s stacked offense doing what’s asked of them without batting an eye about their own production, whether it’s Brandon Aiyuk trucking defenders downfield or George Kittle laying down a pancake block along the offensive line.

It’s a big reason as to why the unit is so successful — an all-in approach with a devastating knack for detail.

“If you don’t pride in playing without the ball,” McCaffrey told King, “whether it’s fakes or blitz pickups or blocking in space, you’re not going to play here. George Kittle’s the best [tight end]…

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Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2023-12-04 16:33:26

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