Christian McCaffrey Takes Blame for Costly Drop in 49ers Loss to Seahawks for Top Seed

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey called his drop in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 13-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks "a play that I have to make."

"Absolutely have to make," he told reporters after the game. "[I] expect nothing less but to make that play. It's completely on me."

Niners quarterback Brock Purdy looked McCaffrey's way on 2nd-and-goal at Seattle's 6-yard line. The four-time Pro Bowler couldn't secure the ball, and it fell into the waiting arms of Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas.

Seahawks' Clutch Red Zone INT 🔒

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Seattle linebacker Boye Mafe altered the trajectory of the pass at the line of scrimmage, which forced McCaffrey to adjust. But the throw was still catchable, especially for somebody as sure-handed as him.

Granted, McCaffrey didn't have a clear path to the end zone, and the Niners would've trailed by three points even if he does score. With the way San Francisco's offense performed, getting into position for a game-tying field goal or go-ahead touchdown after that would've been no sure thing.

The 49ers were held to 173 total yards and had the ball for a little over 22 minutes. They couldn't extend possessions, going 2-of-9 on third down and failing to convert on their two fourth-down tries.

▶️ Full Seahawks-49ers Recap

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The drive that culminated in Thomas' pick was San Francisco's first and only trip inside the red zone. That's uncharacteristic for a Kyle Shanahan-coached team.

The turnover was undoubtedly costly, but a number of other factors contributed to the defeat.

The result secured an NFC West title for the Seahawks and ensured the 49ers will be competing during Wild Card Weekend. Shanahan and his players will know a better collective effort is required when they're back on the field.