Powering the team’s formidable offense, Christian McCaffrey has proven to be a blessing for the San Francisco 49ers this season. Owning 17-game-streak touchdowns and an average of 133 yards from scrimmage to end the season well, McCaffrey stood to receive the honors of 2023 Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year on Thursday. In doing so, the RB defeated the best NFL names in contention.

Joining the 49ers in 2022, CMC has often proven his prominence in the team through his excellence. Having accumulated the nomination twice for Offensive Player of the Year, the 27-year-old, backed by his season records, proved why he led the category’s finest names.

Christian McCaffrey wins the offensive race

Christian McCaffrey was in contention for the Offensive Player of the Year against Tyreek Hill, Lamar Jackson, CeeDee Lamb, and Dak Prescott. However, leading the NFL in touches, scrimmage yards, and scrimmage touchdowns for the 2023 season, the 49ers’ fame added the feather to his hat with 222 votes on board. Miami Dolphins’ WR, Tyreek Hill, followed him at 139.

The win for the night was Christian McCaffrey’s first in his two-time contention for the award. Offering all the right reasons to secure the honor, the running back became only the fifth 49er on the stage and the first since 1993. Here’s how he helped his team get through.

49ers run with strong backing

While reaching Super Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs was undoubtedly a team effort, CMC’s contribution stands out. Throughout the season, against the odds of player drops or otherwise, the running back led the team’s offense, receiving the ball over 17 times each game. Moreover, his 17-game streak of touchdowns also equaled Lenny Moore’s all-time mark. He further owns the team’s single-season touchdown record at 25, surpassing Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice.

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In doing so, the running back contributed to the 49ers placing second in total yards per game, third in rushing yards per game, fourth in passing yards per game, and third in scoring. “I mean, the way he plays, his vision, the way he runs, his maturity, and his knowledge of his offense now, it compares to none. I think he’s the best player in the National Football League,” former Niners’ player Denis Brown aptly remarked. McCaffrey has stood solid in contention with numbers, and praises are pouring in from all sides.

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