Shutterstock_1619318677
During the 49ers 31-14 victory against the Rams on Sunday, running back Christian McCaffrey became the first player since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2005 to throw for, run for and catch a touchdown in the same game. McCaffrey, in just his second game with the 49ers, is now the fourth player since the 1970 merger to complete the trifecta, joining a group that consists of Tomlinson (2005), David Patten (2001), and Walter Payton (1979) to complete the hat trick since the 1970 merger.
McCaffrey’s first snagged a backward pass from Jimmy Garoppolo on a second-and-8 play from the Los Angeles 34-yard line in the flat and then uncorked a deep pass from the L.A. 40-yard line to Brandon Aiyuk for the touchdown (making it McCaffrey’s second career passing touchdown).
In the second half, McCaffrey turned upfield toward the end zone as Garoppolo was flushed out to his right and the quarterback passed to McCaffrey, who was able to come down with the touchdown catch.
Lastly, McCaffrey completed the hat trick by capping off a six-play drive as he ran in for the 1-yard score at the goal line. McCaffrey also had 36 of the team’s 58 yards on the drive.
Editorial credit: Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com
