That did not go well for the 49ers. Christian McCaffrey’s debut didn’t quite match the fanfare leading up to it, though that wasn’t exactly his fault.
The 26-year-old star acquisition was on something of a pitch count on Sunday, taking 22 snaps en route to eight carries for 38 yards and a couple catches for 24 yards. His impact was moot, though, as the 49ers found themselves on the wrong side of a 44-23 drubbing.
McCaffrey said after the game that he “felt good,” and was just trying to pick up as much of the playbook as possible, spending extra time with coaches and teammates to get up to speed.
“It’s been a lot,” McCaffrey said. “I just trying and focus on one thing at a time just learn as many plays possible, try and go out there and do my job.”
He said even watching the offense from the sideline was helpful, also making sure to credit Jimmy Garoppolo for working with him this week.
Garoppolo said he didn’t have to help him with too much, but McCaffrey was complimentary of the quarterback.
“He’s great. He was super helpful to me all week,” McCaffrey. “But he’s cool, calm and collected. Great leader, and efficient.”
The former All-Pro admitted the abrupt transition from the Panthers to 49ers was bizarre.
He arrived on Friday and couldn’t acquire a playbook until he passed a physical. He watched half of the team’s practice but didn’t fully participate.
“This was a weird week. I didn’t kind of know what to expect,” McCaffrey said. “I know that I had a certain list of plays that were up and I think for me, mentally this was just: focus on everything I can. Control what I can control and you can get rolling.”
McCaffrey was a little critical of himself, saying he could have made “a few more plays” and needs to be better at making safeties, in particular, miss.
He’ll have a full week of preparation before next Sunday’s meeting with the Los Angeles Rams, and a bye week to follow. His impact is almost certain to increase, and the 49ers, who have struggled to score points this season, will need it to.