SANTA CLARA – Running back Christian McCaffrey’s performance this season is equivalent to a 14-game touchdown streak.
McCaffrey isn’t the only one on the 49ers’ offense, which also features high-profile offensive playmakers Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle.
Each of these players is capable of producing big games, but it’s rare for each of them to be so successful in the same game.
And even the players don’t know who will compile the beautiful statistics in the week before the game.
“You never really know because two weeks ago, training week, you would have thought it was George,” Aiyuk said. “And in the end it wasn’t George. In the end it was me.”
Yes, in the days leading up to the 49ers’ 35-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals, the ball didn’t come Aiyuk’s way much in practice.
But the way the 49ers’ offense is structured changes quarterback Brock Purdy’s progression depending on whether the defense is playing man coverage or a variation of zone principles.
Aiyuk was targeted six times during the game and caught all six passes for 148 yards, including a season-long reception of 42 yards.
Of course it also works the other way around. Aiyuk thought he could have another big game against the Dallas Cowboys. Aiyuk is the 49ers’ best receiver when it comes to beating man coverage, which the Cowboys play at a high rate.
“I was super excited about the game plan,” Aiyuk said. “But it was a bit different and in the end it was George. So you never really know.
“You wait your turn to make a play and try to make every play that comes your way. We all know it can be any week, and that’s super fun and super exciting because we know if you keep your head down and work hard, you’ll eventually find yourself again.”
None of the 49ers’ offensive opponents seem to be bothered by the fact that there are one or two fewer passes coming their way. Aiyuk said the close structure of the locker room prevents the kinds of problems that other teams might experience.
“I think we’ve all been through so much together — worn down together,” Aiyuk said. “We all have similar problems. It’s always a good feeling for yourself when you have the time to go out and do what you want to do.
“So you also know what it’s like for your brother when he’s allowed to do it. We have compassion for each other. We all know we are in this together.”
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