49ers’ Christian McCaffrey Revives Rushing Dominance in 20-10 Win Over Falcons
Santa Clara, CA - Christian McCaffrey delivered a dominant performance Sunday night, propelling the San Francisco 49ers to a 20-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in a primetime matchup. McCaffrey rushed for 129 yards and two touchdowns,adding seven receptions for 72 yards,marking his frist 100-yard rushing game since Week 16 of 2023 and surpassing 120 rushing yards for the first time since Week 14 of the same year.
Through the first six games of the season, McCaffrey had amassed 522 yards from scrimmage with four total touchdowns, including 444 yards and three touchdowns on 46 receptions, while averaging 3.1 yards per carry.Sunday’s performance signaled a return to the form that made him one of the league’s most dynamic players. The 49ers’ rushing attack as a whole also saw a notable boost, averaging 4.5 yards per carry on 39 attempts for 174 yards – a marked enhancement from their season average of 3.1 yards per carry.
McCaffrey scored his first touchdown with 1:48 remaining in the second quarter, a 1-yard run. He later sealed the victory with a 4-yard touchdown run with 2:26 left in the contest, preceded by a crucial 17-yard reception on third-and-3 from the Atlanta 21.
Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. finished the game 21-of-38 for 241 yards with one touchdown and a lost fumble. He also committed an intentional grounding penalty late in the first half, resulting in a 10-second runoff.Facing fourth-and-1 midway through the fourth quarter, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris opted to go for it instead of attempting a 53-yard field goal, but Penix’s pass to Drake London was broken up, resulting in a turnover on downs.Bijan Robinson was held to 40 yards on 14 carries, adding six receptions for 52 yards.
San Francisco’s defense, playing without Fred Warner, was led by Tatum Bethune, who recorded 10 tackles, one for loss. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy completed 17 of 26 passes for 152 yards with one interception.
With the win, the 49ers improve to 5-2, maintaining first place in the NFC West due to their head-to-head victory over the Los Angeles Rams. They will travel to Houston next weekend to face the Texans. The Falcons fall to 3-3 and will host the Miami Dolphins in Week 8.
