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5 Players Who Will Benefit in Chip Kelly’s Offense

By Jerod Brown

January 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chip Kelly poses for a photo after being introduced as the new head coach for the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chip Kelly poses for a photo after being introduced as the new head coach for the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 18, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) rushes for a gain against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) rushes for a gain against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

Carlos Hyde-Running Back

In all fairness, Carlos Hyde should benefit from just about any offense. He’s simply a good player. But if he can remain healthy, Chip Kelly’s offense will only boost Hyde’s value.

Prior to his injury, Hyde looked like one of the most promising players in the league and clearly the best player on a struggling 49ers offense in 2015.

For his first two years in Philadelphia, when Chip Kelly’s offense was at its best, the Eagles had elusive running back LeSean McCoy. Carlos Hyde, although a different runner than McCoy, proved to be equally as impressive in beating defenders early in 2015.

Everybody remembers Week 1 versus the Minnesota Vikings when Hyde first made people take notice.

As with the previous two players on this list, the main issue is health for the 49ers running back. Ultimately, Chip Kelly’s offense is beneficial for numerous players, provided they are able to suit up. The 49ers are hoping that Hyde’s injuries stem from being the primary back in a run-dependent offense that lacked ingenuity in 2015. Under Kelly, Hyde will see less carries as well as less carries against loaded boxes.

The narrative that Kelly’s offense is soft or finesse is inaccurate. If anything, Kelly’s offense is closer to former head coach Jim Harbaugh’s than last year’s. Chip Kelly wants to spread defenses out so that the offensive line has a numbers advantage in the box against defenders.

For a refresher on some of the staples of Chip Kelly’s run game, read the series from David Neumann of NinersNation. He does an excellent job of breaking down the primary concepts in Kelly’s scheme.

With a lighter box and a creative offensive coach, the 49ers primary rusher should see a highly-productive 2016 season. As a versatile runner with a complete skill set, Carlos Hyde has to be licking his chops to compete in Chip Kelly’s offense.

Next: Lining Up Under Center