Javon Kinlaw calls Christian McCaffrey a “robot” because of his work ethic, his determination to improve and put in extra hours behind the scenes.
But McCaffrey is robotic on game days, as well.
When healthy, the 49ers superstar produces, notching touchdowns in 25 of his last 28 games while averaging 125.3 yards from scrimmage in those contests.
The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year can hurt you on the ground or out of the backfield through the air.
Monday night, the Jets get to see the best running back in the league up close.
“He’s a helluva running back. Just do what you can against him, you know?” Kinlaw, the Jets’ new defensive tackle who spent the last four seasons with the 49ers, said Friday. “He’s a robot. Nobody compares. Pre-practice, post-practice, even in practice. It’s just like a robot, for real. Always working hard.”
The Jets’ defense was one of the best units in the NFL a year ago, ranked second in passing yards, third in total yards and 10th in points allowed.
It is supposed to be just as formidable this season, even without edge-rushing holdout Haason Reddick.
McCaffrey and Co. will present an immediate test.
No soft landing spots to get this heavily anticipated season going. It’s right into the fire.
“We love it. It’s a great opportunity,” middle linebacker C.J. Mosley said. “Great chance for us to show why we’re one of the top linebacker cores and great defenses [in the NFL] and show we have a great football team, as well.”
We’ll see how the Jets feel after Monday night.
Remember, as well as their defense performed last season, it struggled against the run, allowing an even 124 yards per game on the ground.
Only seven teams were worse.
It’s not just McCaffrey the front seven has to worry about.
The 49ers frequently use dynamic receiver Deebo Samuel out of the backfield, too. He ran for 225 yards and five scores last season.
But, obviously, the focus will be on McCaffrey.
He makes the 49ers’ offense go.
Mosley compared McCaffrey to Le’Veon Bell in his prime because of his patience and unique running style.
He’s powerful but also explosive, a home-run hitter who will also move the chains, and has to be accounted for at all times. ‘He’s powerful but also explosive, a home-run hitter who will also move the chains, and has to be accounted for at all times.
“He can jump-cut and go from zero to 100 in the blink of an eye,” Kinlaw said.
“Not only can he do a little bit of everything, he can do a little bit of everything at the highest level,” said defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, adding that McCaffrey is “one of the best that’s ever done it.”
Penetration will be important, as will discipline.
The Jets want to be aggressive but also have to be smart to avoid creating cut-back lanes.
Few defenses shut down McCaffrey last year.
He produced 1,459 rushing yards and 564 more yards through the air, along with 21 touchdowns.
Of the 49ers’ five regular-season losses, McCaffrey missed one of them and was held to an average of 88.6 total yards in three of them.
The hope is to contain him. It could be the key to escaping Levi’s Stadium victorious.
“You know, for a defense like ours that is really looking to take that next step, what a great opportunity,” Ulbrich said. “I mean, it is by far, in my opinion, one of the — if not the — most talented offenses in the NFL from a personnel standpoint.”
