Christian McCaffrey played the Los Angeles Rams on October 16. Two weeks later, he'll face them again when his new team, the San Francisco 49ers, visit SoFi Stadium this weekend.
The 49ers acquired the star running back last Thursday. On Friday morning, he was on a plane traveling across the country to join his new teammates. On Sunday, he suited up and played against the Kansas City Chiefs.
That's not long to prepare for a football game when you just got the playbook into your hands.
"I think definitely good to get my bearings a little bit after last week," McCaffrey told reporters on Thursday (h/t Grant Cohn of SI). "That was a little bit overwhelming, but we're here this week, and I feel much better now."
McCaffrey already has two full practices under his belt this week and has had more time to learn the language of head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.
The running back doesn't feel added pressure after the Carolina Panthers traded him to the 49ers. He doesn't see himself as a savior, in Santa Clara to save the team's season. However, that doesn't mean he isn't motivated to help turn things around for the 3-4 squad.
"It's not extra pressure, but there's definitely a sense of urgency on my part," McCaffrey admits. "I want to win. I got traded. So yeah, I've got a chip on my shoulder."
McCaffrey added, "I understand this is a business, but any time somebody gets rid of you or something happens, you take it personally. ... It's part of the league. It happens to coaches. It happens to players. It's just more wood in the fire. I've been here before, so I'm excited about it, and like I said, I'm just excited just to continue to work with these guys in this locker room. This is a hell of a locker room with a lot of great players and a lot of great coaches, so I'm just excited to be a part of this organization."
McCaffrey is also excited to work with his new quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo.
"He throws a great ball," the running back said. "He's dialed in, commands the huddle, gets everybody lined [up]. He's a lot of fun to work with. It's been good getting to know him, and I'm excited to continue to play with him. ... Jimmy's going to get the ball where it needs to be, and it's just my job to be there for him (on the route), and be there for him in the right time."
