Javon Kinlaw calls Christian McCaffrey “Robot” because of his work ethic, drive and long hours behind the scenes.
But McCaffrey also plays like a robot on game day.
The 49ers superstar has thrived when healthy, scoring touchdowns in 25 of his last 28 games and averaging 125.3 scrimmage yards in those games.
The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year can torment opponents both on the ground and through the air out of the backfield.
On Monday night, the Jets will get an up-close look at the league's best running back.
“He's a great running back. You just do what you can against him,” Kinlaw, the Jets' new defensive tackle who spent the past four seasons with the 49ers, said Friday. “He's a robot. Nobody can match him. Before practice, after practice, during practice. He's like a robot. He's always going to work hard.”
The Jets defense was one of the best in the NFL last year, ranking second in passing yards, third in total yards allowed and 10th in points allowed.
They should be a similarly formidable team this season, even without edge rushing holdout Haason Reddick.
McCaffrey and Co. will conduct testing immediately.
There will be no soft landing spot for this highly anticipated start to the season – it's a direct flight into the fire.
“We’re excited, it’s a great opportunity,” middle linebacker CJ Mosley said. “It’s a great chance to show why we have one of the top linebackers and a great defense. [in the NFL] And we're going to show that we have a great football team, too.”
We'll see how the Jets feel after Monday night.
Remember, while their defense performed well last season, they struggled against the run, allowing just 124 yards per game on the ground.
Only seven teams had worse records.
McCaffrey isn't the only guy the front seven has to worry about.
The 49ers frequently use dynamic receiver Deebo Samuel out of the backfield, who rushed for 225 yards and five scores last season.
But obviously, all eyes will be on McCaffrey.
He will lead the 49ers offense.
Mosley compared McCaffrey to Le'Veon Bell in his prime because of McCaffrey's perseverance and unique running style.
He's powerful but explosive, he's a home run hitter and he moves the chains so you have to keep an eye on him. “He's powerful but explosive, he's a home run hitter and he moves the chains so you have to keep an eye on him.”
“He can jump cut and go from zero to 100 in a flash,” Kinlaw said.
“Not only can he do a little bit of everything, but he can do a little bit of everything at the highest level,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said, adding that McCaffrey is “one of the best players we've ever had.”
Penetration is important, and so is discipline.
The Jets want to play aggressively, but they also need to play smart to avoid creating cutback lanes.
Few defenses were able to contain McCaffrey last year.
He rushed for 1,459 yards and passed for over 564 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Of the 49ers' five regular-season losses, McCaffrey missed one game and averaged just 88.6 yards per possession in the three games he played.
The hope is to contain him, which could be the key to escaping Levi's Stadium victorious.
“This is a great opportunity for a defense like ours that's serious about taking the next step,” Ulbrich said. “So, in my opinion, we have one of the most talented offensive lines in the NFL, personnel-wise.”
