Watch: Cowboys CB forces goal-line turnover of McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Cowboys CB forces sensational goal-line turnover of Christian McCaffrey

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 10/8/23

On a second-and-4 from the Dallas Cowboys 10-yard line, the San Francisco 49ers called Christian McCaffrey’s number.

Typically a safe bet once inside the red zone, McCaffrey made an egregious mistake after rumbling for an eight-yard gain as he tried bulldozing Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis on his way to the end zone.

It was McCaffrey’s second fumble of the season and the first one he’s lost since Sept. 9, 2018 — also against the Cowboys. The two-time All-Pro has fumbled just five times in the last five seasons.

And now the @DallasCowboys' defense forces a turnover of their own @JourdanJD

: #DALvsSF on NBC
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/gzzkvIRUdj pic.twitter.com/3z1RCghhag
— NFL (@NFL) October 9, 2023

Video replay showed that neither McCaffrey’s knee or elbow touched the turf before the ball started moving. Lewis took advantage of the situation, using his body as a barrier between McCaffrey and the field as he ripped the ball from his arms.

The play marked the fourth takeaway via fumble for the Cowboys defense this season, which is tied with five other teams for the sixth-most in the league. It’s also the seventh fumble recovery and just the second forced fumble of Lewis’ seven-year career.

McCaffrey was in a similar situation the week before against the Arizona Cardinals, only he scored a touchdown after never being ruled down as linebacker Dennis Gardeck drug him to the ground.

Fortunately for McCaffrey, the Cowboys went three-and-out on the following drive and his blunder didn’t cost the 49ers any points.

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