It's clear that the playbook is all the way open for Kyle Shanahan's shiny new toy.
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, left, passes for a touchdown on a trick play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. uniform came through the air, but not in the way you would have expected. On a 2nd-and-8 from the 34 yard line, Jimmy Garoppolo threw the ball laterally to McCaffrey in the flat, setting up a beautiful double pass.
A week after getting soft-launched in the Niners' offense, it's clear that the playbook is all the way open for Kyle Shanahan's shiny new toy. Last week, the former Carolina back had just a couple days to learn plays which resulted in 38 rushing yards in eight carries, and 24 receiving yards with two catches. In the first quarter alone, he easily surpassed that production with a single throw.
McCaffrey added a second highlight-reel touchdown in the third quarter, scooting behind the Rams' secondary for a leaping nine-yard touchdown catch to give his new team a late lead. He was the primary engine of San Francisco's offense through three quarters, leading the team in both rushes and receptions.