Christian McCaffrey’s Dominant Night Fuels 49ers’ 20-10 Victory Over Atlanta

The San Francisco 49ers leaned on their star running back and a renewed sense of unity to grind out a 20-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. Christian McCaffrey put on a career-best performance, rushing for 129 yards and two touchdowns while catching seven passes for 72 yards. His 201 total yards made up more than 60% of San Francisco’s offense, which reaffirmed his role as the heartbeat of the team.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan had challenged his team to run the ball 40 times, a sign of physical dominance up front. The Niners fell one carry short of that mark, finishing with 39 attempts and a season-high 174 rushing yards. Even without a recorded catch, tight end George Kittle blocked and opened up key lanes, which helped McCaffrey’s game-sealing touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Mac Jones, filling in for Brock Purdy, who is injured, managed 152 passing yards and an interception, but played efficiently enough to keep the offense balanced. Meanwhile, San Francisco’s defense held Atlanta to just 292 total yards and 62 on the ground. Replacement linebacker Tatum Bethune stepped up with 10 tackles, helped the Niners limit Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to one touchdown and a lost fumble.

The win moved San Francisco to 5-2 despite a string of injuries that could have derailed the team. For Shanahan’s group, Sunday’s game wasn’t just about numbers; it was about grit, balance and proving that, even short-handed, the 49ers can still control a game when McCaffrey leads the way.

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Article by Ed Middlecoff