EXCLUSIVE: Former Super Bowl-winning coach urges 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan to exercise caution with Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey's switch to the West Coast was arguably one of the biggest moves pulled off before the NFL trade deadline. To acquire the services of the dynamic running back, the San Francisco 49ers offered the Carolina Panthers a boatload of draft picks.
To his credit, McCaffrey has gotten off to a stellar start with his new team. But former NFL head coach Mike Smith, during an appearance on Sportskeeda's BallFather podcast, said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan needs to exercise caution with the running back.
"Here's the point that I think everybody needs to take a warning on. He needs to stay healthy. He's had some issues. This isn't the guy that you want carrying the ball, like Derrick Henry... You can't feed this guy 30 times a game. You got to pick your spots when you're going to use him."
Smith went on to explain in detail how he believes Shanahan should proceed with McCaffrey:
"He's so dynamic and versatile. You get 15 touches out of him and maybe 10 to 15 catches to keep him healthy because it's a long season. He's not a big, strong, typical running back, so they've got to be careful."
Comparing him to the Queen on a cheeseboard, Smith noted how the running back's versatility makes him a valuable addition to the 49ers offense:
"It's your queen. He can move diagonally, horizontally. He's the most flexible piece on the chess board. And that's what a guy like McCaffrey is to a football team. You can move this guy around and put him in different positions. You can throw him the ball, let him run the ball, let him pass the ball occasionally... He can create potential explosive plays in so many different ways. That's what makes him so good."
McCaffrey's ability to create mismatches is what makes him so dangerous in the 49ers' vaunted West Coast offense. His addition will now help Shanahan add a whole new dimension to the team's playbook.
Christian McCaffrey playing at a level similar to All-Pro season
Christian McCaffrey's last few NFL seasons were riddeled by injuries. Over the past two seasons, the former Panthers running back has missed a staggering 23 games. Thus, when the 49ers decided to shell out a second, third, fourth, and fifth-round draft pick for McCaffrey, eyebrows were raised.
Going big for a running back is often looked down upon by NFL GMs and analysts alike. Given the nature of the game and their short shelf lives, the position is often the cruelest in terms of injuries and uncertainties.
Mr. Do It All
@CMC_22 @49ers https://t.co/9WnkMo0LLL
McCaffrey's luck with injuries had many teams questioning before calling in for a trade. The 49ers took the plunge and so far have reaped the rewards. In a statement win against division rivals LA Rams, the running back not only scored a rushing and receiving touchdown, but threw for a TD as well.
If the running back can keep up such performances, another All-Pro nod is all but guaranteed. But in the end, it all boils down to his ability to stay fit throughout the season.
(If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Sportskeeda)