
The San Francisco 49ers entered the postseason with the confidence of a resurrected dynasty. Christian McCaffrey, a Swiss Army knife in cleats, was the driving force behind their locomotive offence. Sure, Brock Purdy’s Cinderella narrative stole centre stage, but McCaffrey’s magnificent performance deserves a standing ovation, even if he fails to reach the MVP podium this season.
Let’s not mince words: McCaffrey was a statistical powerhouse. Over 2,000 total yards, 21 touchdowns, a receiving threat as strong as his rushing ability, and a highlight reel longer than a pirate’s treasure map. He cut open defences like a sculptor against stone, with every juke, burst of speed, and acrobatic catch demonstrating his incredible brilliance.
“Kyle Shanahan has the #1 weapon in the entire NFL when it comes to running backs,” said NFL analyst and former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark.
And he’s correct. McCaffrey was more than just the engine of the 49ers’ offence; he was the chassis, wheels, and GPS that guided them to the promised land. But here’s the brutal truth about the MVP race: statistics are only the beginning, not the end. And in a quarterback-driven league, a running back, no matter how great, must do a Herculean performance to win the title.
The historical bias against non-QBs is genuine. Since Adrian Peterson in 2012, the trophy has been under the watchful eye of signal-callers. The narrative, clutch throws, and the “face of the franchise” attraction all tip the scales in favour of those in the middle.
This year’s competition was especially tough. Lamar Jackson’s dazzling exploits and MVP credentials have always loomed large. Dak Prescott’s revival in Dallas, Josh Allen’s cannon arm, and highlight-reel throws are all persuasive cases. Then there is Brock Purdy. The seventh-round rookie who surprised expectations by leading the 49ers on a late-season run and taking some of McCaffrey’s MVP thunder.
Don’t get me wrong: Purdy deserves every accolade that comes his way. However, McCaffrey’s impact went beyond the box score. He was the offense’s oxygen source, a rookie quarterback’s security blanket, and the Swiss Army knife that opened every defensive can. These are the instances that do not appear on spreadsheets. An MVP’s traits include grit, leadership, and the ability to lift those around him, even if they do not come with a spiral.
So, will McCaffrey win the 2023 MVP? Probably not. With the historical prejudice, the Purdy factor, and competition from QB titans, it’s a difficult mountain to conquer. But his performance should spark a discussion, a reassessment with the MVP criterion itself. Should a season of unequalled flexibility, leadership, and effect be eclipsed by passing yardage and touchdowns?
Maybe not. Perhaps next year, when McCaffrey returns with another symphony of athleticism, voters will hear the entire range of his MVP-caliber talent. And when they do, they may realise that the most useful player isn’t always the one in the middle, but rather the one who can do it all, everywhere, all the time.
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