McCaffrey throws, catches, rushes for TDs, Niners rout Rams

Jimmy Garoppolo’s backward screen pass was intercepted by Christian McCaffrey, who then moved a short distance before lofting a stunning pass over the confused Los Angeles defense into Brandon Aiyuk’s arms.

And McCaffrey was only beginning to demonstrate to the Rams what they had missed out on by losing him to the appreciative San Francisco 49ers.

With a 31-14 victory over Los Angeles on Sunday, McCaffrey became the 11th player in NFL history to score a running touchdown, a passing touchdown, and a receiving touchdown in the same game. The 49ers also extended their four-year regular-season dominance over the Rams.

In the first half, McCaffrey completed a 34-yard touchdown pass. In the third quarter, he caught a 9-yard touchdown catch from Garoppolo, then early in the fourth, he scored on a run to give the Niners (4-4) the lead. In another outstanding all-around performance highlighted by his second career touchdown throw, the running back concluded the game with 94 yards rushing and 55 yards receiving.

McCaffrey remarked with a smile, “My little brothers are quarterbacks, so I learned a lot from them. I had had a strong desire to play quarterback just because it was the finest position. When someone is also open, it helps.