George Kittle Sets Ambitious Goal for McCaffrey in 49ers Win

The San Francisco 49ers secured a significant 20-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on October 15, 2023, marking their fifth win of the season. Tight end George Kittle returned to action after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in Week 1. Following the match, Kittle shared that he had set a notable goal for running back Christian McCaffrey before the game, aiming for him to be named NFC Player of the Week.

Kittle explained the team’s approach during their pre-game meetings. “Every Saturday night, our tight end coach [Brian Fleury] wants all the tight ends to get up in front of the room and set a goal,” Kittle said, as reported by Nick Wagoner of ESPN. He added, “My goal this week was CMC [to be] NFC Player of the Week. And if I actually called that, that might be the best guess of all time.”

With starting quarterback Brock Purdy sidelined due to a toe injury, the 49ers leaned heavily on McCaffrey during the game. He delivered a standout performance, rushing for 129 yards and scoring two touchdowns on 24 carries. Additionally, McCaffrey contributed significantly in the passing game, recording seven receptions for 72 yards.

“He’s huge,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said about McCaffrey. “He’s the most consistent player I’ve been around. He just allows you to stay on track. He gets every yard in the run game and more, and what he does in the pass game…it’s rare that you’re going to throw a ball to him and not get a completion.”

Kittle’s return came at a crucial time for the 49ers, who have been grappling with injuries. Star pass-rusher Nick Bosa is out for the season with an ACL tear, and linebacker Fred Warner, often regarded as the heart and soul of the defense, suffered a dislocated and broken ankle during a previous loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 12.

In reflecting on the team’s resilience, McCaffrey noted, “Our record is a testament to the leadership. I think a guy like Fred or Bosa comes out, and you got young guys who haven’t been in that position step up the way they have, it’s coaching, it’s leadership.” He emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “It’s a fun group to be a part of in that, knowing that every week is going to be a fight, and guys are going to have to step up and do their job and get it done.”

Looking ahead, the 49ers will face the Houston Texans on October 26. The Texans, currently with a record of 2-3, will take on the Seattle Seahawks (4-2) at Lumen Field on October 16. The upcoming games will be critical for the 49ers as they navigate through a season filled with both challenges and opportunities.