5 running backs on the Eagles schedule that could give their defense fits

Christian McCaffrey looks to build on what turned out to be a great half-season with the 49ers last year.

The San Francisco 49ers gave up a lot to acquire Christian McCaffrey last October. The Carolina Panthers earned a second-round choice, a third, and a fourth in the 2023 NFL Draft. They also received a fifth-round pick in 2024.

This former eight-overall selection didn’t disappoint once he got to the Bay Area.

He collected  746 rushing yards with six touchdowns on 159 attempts during his first 11 regular-season games with the Niners last season. He also helped in the passing game, racking up 464 receiving yards with four more trips to the end zone.

The 2022 season was the first since 2019 that Christian played in every single game. He eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing for the third time in his six-year career. Combine what he did in San Fran and Carolina, and the rushing tally lands at 1,139 yards.

He exceeded the 100-yard threshold on six different occasions, but he failed to do so versus the impressive Eagles’ defense. Philadelphia didn’t keep him in check by any means. He ran for 84 yards and scored one touchdown during the NFC Championship Game, but it wouldn’t be enough to earn his new team a victory.

Something tells us he’ll be featured in the Niners’ passing attack again in 2023. Expect a heavy dose of Christian in the rushing and passing attack when these proud franchises renew pleasantries.