NFL

McCaffrey 'proud to be a 49er' after rare touchdown hat-trick in win over Rams

By Sports Desk October 31, 2022

Christian McCaffrey declared he was "proud to be a 49er" after his rare touchdown hat-trick inspired San Francisco's 31-14 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

Playing in only his second game for the Niners following his blockbuster trade from the Carolina Panthers, McCaffrey made a huge impact at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.

The star running back ran for a touchdown, took a pass from Jimmy Garoppolo to score another and also picked out Brandon Aiyuk with a 34-yard pass for a rare treble.

McCaffrey is the first NFL player since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2005 to achieve a touchdown trifecta feat.

He racked up 94 rushing yards and 55 receiving yards, as well as turning provider for wide receiver Aiyuk.

The 49ers stormed back in the second half to move to 4-4 ahead of their bye week and McCaffrey says the victory was more important than personal achievements. 

"Obviously, those things are really cool," McCaffrey said. "I think the biggest thing is coming out with a win and playing a second half like that, too. ... But I'm just proud to be a 49er and it felt good to get a win today."

Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan knows he is fortune to have McCaffrey after they got back on track despite being without Deebo Samuel.

"I think everyone knows how good of a player he is, but I just like how consistent he is and under control in what he does," Shanahan said.

"He's a very smart player, and he makes a lot of plays and stuff, but it's the consistency of how he plays his game. I feel like he was a great guy to add for us."

A win for the Niners leaves them second in the NFC West ahead of the 3-4 Rams.

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