Christian McCaffrey got the San Francisco 49ers on the board Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals with a two-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
He made history in the process. The touchdown marked his 17th straight game (playoffs included) with a touchdown, tying an NFL record held by Hall of Fame Baltimore Colts running back Lenny Moore. The record stood as Moores alone for nearly 60 years. He completed his 17-game scoring streak over a span from 1963-64.
McCaffreys teammates congratulated him Sunday after he broke the record with a score to tie the game at 7-7:
Tying the record! ? CMC_22
#CINvsSF on CBS
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4nCVJ pic./QEdYY7w3Dd— San Francisco 49ers (49ers) October 29, 2023
McCaffrey added a second touchdown on a four-yard pass from Brock Purdy in the third quarter. Hell now have a chance to break the record and hold it as his own in Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 49ers have a bye in Week 9.
The scores didnt help San Francisco to victory as a pair of Purdy interceptions helped propel the Bengals to a 31-17 win.
McCaffrey arrived in San Francisco via trade last season from the Carolina Panthers, already established as one of footballs most dynamic and dangerous weapons. Hes somehow exceeded expectations while elevating the 49ers offense among the leagues best.
McCaffrey joined the 49ers in Week 7 last season and scored three touchdowns in his first five games. His current streak started in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins when he caught a three-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy.
He closed the season with at least one touchdown in the final six games of the regular season. He then scored in each of San Franciscos three playoff games before starting 2023 with at least one touchdown in San Franciscos first eight games.
These arent all single-score efforts from McCaffrey either. Hes scored multiple touchdowns in four games during the streak, including a four-touchdown outburst against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4 of this season. With Sundays score, he now has 13 this season and 23 total during the 17-game streak.
On a 49ers team stacked with offensive weapons, its tough to stand out, but McCaffrey does so as arguably the games most dangerous offensive weapon.