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Eric Williams
NFC West Writer
San Francisco 49ers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey was in the MVP conversation this season and has been a problem for the league all year.
On Saturday when the NFC’s No. 1 seed hosts the upstart Packers (8 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app), he likely will be a big problem for Green Bay defensive coordinator Joe Barry, whose unit allowed 128 rushing yards a game during the regular season, No. 28 in the NFL.
The league leader in rushing yards (1,459) and scrimmage yards (2,023) during the regular season, McCaffrey has not played since suffering a mild calf strain on Dec. 31 against the Washington Commanders. He’s now rested and has been a full participant in practice this week.
McCaffrey said it’ll be business as usual for the 12-5 Niners come Saturday night.
“I feel juice in this locker room every week,” he told reporters. “Obviously, with the playoffs this matters. I think guys are obviously extremely anxious to get out there on the field and play. They’re excited, but that’s what is so cool about this team: Whether it’s Week 4 or Week 10 or the divisional round, I love that this team is ready to go.”
San Francisco offensive line coach/run game coordinator Chris Foerster said McCaffrey’s work ethic matches his talent, making him a game wrecker every time he steps on the field.
“He’s in that group with the elite guys,” Foerster said. “Like I’ve said in the past, working with a Payton Manning or working with a Jonathan Ogden or Randell McDaniel — you work with these guys that are Hall of Fame type players, they prepare like nobody else does.
“They’re almost crazy about their preparation. They’re never going to let up. They leave no stone unturned as far as game planning, their work or their preparation. And Christian’s in that group of elite players.”
Niners coach Kyle Shanahan said McCaffrey is primed to get back to his ankle-breaking ways.
“He’s geared up and…
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/packers-49ers-could-turn-on-christian-mccaffrey-vs-a-vulnerable-run-defense
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Publish date : 2024-01-18 23:17:12
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