Cowboys plan to surround Christian McCaffrey in Week 5 clash – NBC Sports Bay Area and California


All eyes are on All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey in 2023, in his first full season with the 49ers.

While McCaffrey’s usage has been a topic of discussion recently and even 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan has admitted it’s “tough” to balance it, the Dallas Cowboys reportedly have a “Sunday Night” pick this week. There is a game plan to better prepare for the 49ers’ offense at the 5. soccer.”

Diana Russini of The Athletic wrote in a column published Sunday morning, “I’m told that in Cowboys defensive meetings this week they focused on tackling, making sure their speed is used and all their players in position to bunch up. Be.”

“As one team source wrote, ‘CMC is going to make people miss, so everyone’s effort and speed will be vital to minimize gains after the catch.’ The defense is also hoping to cause disruption [49ers quarterback] Brock Purdy’s rhythm and timing with his pass catchers.”

Through the first four games of the season, McCaffrey is averaging nearly 25 touches a game. He leads the NFL in rushing attempts (80) and rushing yards (459) while playing 81 percent of the team’s offensive snaps.

In San Francisco’s Week 4 win over the Arizona Cardinals, McCaffrey dominated with four touchdowns and 177 all-purpose yards, and was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week a week after being named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September. Earned the respect of.

Cowboys star defender Micah Parsons praised McCaffrey last week, and described different schemes to better defend a versatile player like McCaffrey.

“Christian, I think he’s the most versatile player in the NFL when it comes to how the 49ers use him,” Parsons said Wednesday after Cowboys practice. , The way he opens up, you can’t impose anyone on him.

“Sometimes, you’d want to put a DB on him, with how good he is with his routes, and how dynamic he is. The way he’s able to make people miss, there’s no one better than him in the NFL. Look. What he does and how explosive he is, I mean we have to be careful with that.”

McCaffrey and the 49ers’ offense will have their biggest test yet against one of the best defenses in the league. Like the Cowboys, they will be ready for a big game between two rivals and a potential playoff preview.

programming notes

NBC Bay Area and NBC Sports Bay Area have complete coverage of 49ers fans’ big “Sunday Night Football” game against the Cowboys, live from Levi’s Stadium.

3 p.m.: NBC Bay Area News

4 p.m.: “49ers Pregame Live” on NBC Sports Bay Area; “Football Night in America” ​​on NBC Bay Area.

5:15 PM: 49ers vs. Cowboys on NBC Bay Area

Immediately after the game: “49ers Pregame Live” on NBC Sports Bay Area; Sports Sunday, presented by Xfinity on NBC Bay Area

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