Former Lions CB Darius Slay compares Christian McCaffrey to Barry Sanders

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is one of the most versatile players in the league. Although he’s a great running back, he can also play as a receiver. He changed the dynamic of the 49ers offense that season.

The 49ers were outplayed by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game, primarily due to the 49ers’ quarterback injuries. McCaffrey scored the solo touchdown for the Bay Area team, after which he received his flowers from Eagles cornerback Darius Slay.

Here’s what Darius Slay said about Christian McCaffrey after the NFC Championship Game:

“I have to give Christian McCaffrey the greatest shout out. Man I’m not gonna lie, man I know Detroit’s gonna be mad at me it’s okay I love you all but he’s the closest I’ve seen to Barry Sanders.”

He added:

“I’m not lying, the guy has the balance, has vision and unless he was hurt as badly as he was in his career, he will be light years away from the people running it by position.”

Slay continued:

“I’ll say it, I’ll be honest. I just come right out of the backfield and catch. He’s the best third-down back in the league. His phasing out of contact is insane, his moves like his touchdown…”

Being compared to Barry Sanders is a huge honor for any running back, and McCaffrey would appreciate the kind words from Slay. It’s true if the 49ers RB had managed to stay healthy for most of his career, he could have graduated from the Hall of Fame by now.

In the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles, McCaffrey had 15 carries for 84 yards. He also had four catches for 22 yards and scored a touchdown. Hopefully McCaffrey stays as healthy going forward as he has this season.

Christian McCaffrey took the 49ers to a new level

Since joining the San Francisco 49ers from the Carolina Panthers, Christian McCaffrey has massively improved the 49ers’ offense. The luxury of having Deebo Samuel and McCaffrey play together worked wonders for Kyle Shanahan, and had Brock Purdy not been injured his team might have made it to the Super Bowl.

With a full offseason ahead of him working with the San Francisco 49ers, we could see the best of McCaffrey next season. By then, Trey Lance and Brock Purdy will also be healthy, and the 49ers have their sights set on the Super Bowl.

If you use any of the above quotes, please give credit to Big Play Slay and H/T Sportskeeda.