In his first full season with the 49ers, all eyes were on 2023 All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey.
While McCaffrey’s usage has been a topic of discussion lately, with even 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan admitting it was “hard” to balance, the Dallas Cowboys reportedly have a game plan in place to better prepare for the 49ers’ offense in their Week 5 clash “Sunday Night Football.”
“I’m told that in the Cowboys’ defensive meetings this week, they focused on tackling, making sure their speed is used and all players are in the right position to swarm,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini wrote in a column , which was released on Sunday morning.
“As a team source wrote, ‘CMC will make people miss, so each individual’s effort and speed will be crucial to minimize post-catch gains.’ The defense is also hoping for disruption [49ers quarterback] Brock Purdy’s rhythm and timing with his pass catchers.”
Through the first four games of the season, McCaffrey averaged nearly 25 touches per game. He leads the NFL in rushing attempts (80) and yards rushing (459) while playing 81 percent of the team’s offensive snaps.
In San Francisco’s Week 4 win, McCaffrey dominated the Arizona Cardinals with four touchdowns and 177 all-purpose yards and was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week a week after being named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September.
Cowboys star defender Micah Parsons praised McCaffrey last week and described several strategies to better defend a versatile running back like McCaffrey.
“Christian, I think he’s the most versatile back in the NFL in terms of how the 49ers use him,” Parsons said Wednesday after the Cowboys’ practice. “You could almost say he’s a running back who plays receiver or a receiver who plays running back.” . The way he opens up, the way you can’t just attack him.
“Sometimes you might want to focus on how well he can handle his routes and how dynamic he is. The way he makes people miss shots, there’s nobody better in the NFL. Look at what he’s doing and how explosive he is, I mean, that’s something we have to be wary of.”
McCaffrey and the 49ers’ offense will be put to their biggest test yet against one of the league’s best defenses. Like the Cowboys, they will be prepared for what is expected to be a big game between two rivals and a possible playoff preview.
Programming note
NBC Bay Area and NBC Sports Bay Area bring 49ers fans complete coverage of the big Sunday Night Football game against the Cowboys, live from Levi’s Stadium.
3 p.m.: NBC Bay Area News
4 p.m.: “49ers Pregame Live” on NBC Sports Bay Area; “Football Night in America” on NBC Bay Area
5:15 p.m.: 49ers vs. Cowboys at NBC Bay Area
Immediately after the game: “49ers Pregame Live” on NBC Sports Bay Area; Sports Sunday, presented by Xfinity, on NBC Bay Area
Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast