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San Francisco 49ers: Thresholds for Success in 2016

By Trevor Irvine

Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers fullback Bruce Miller (49) and outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) try to recover a fumble in the end zone during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers fullback Bruce Miller (49) and outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) try to recover a fumble in the end zone during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 11, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) carries the ball as New York Giants outside linebacker Mark Herzlich (94) defends during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Giants won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Jim O’Connor-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) carries the ball as New York Giants outside linebacker Mark Herzlich (94) defends during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Giants won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Jim O’Connor-USA TODAY Sports /

Rushing offense must average 130-plus yards per game

Let’s face it, the Niners are a much better team when they run the football. From 2011-14, they ran the ball very well. Three of those four years they finished with a winning record:

  • 2011: 127.8 rush yards per game; 13-3 record
  • 2012: 155.7 rush yards per game; 11-4-1 record
  • 2013: 137.6 rush yards per game; 12-4 record
  • 2014: 136.0 rush yards per game; 8-8 record

So in these four seasons the rushing attack averaged 139.2 yards per game. Of course, the offensive line was much better in those years. But when one of your main focuses is to “run the football,” then you should be good at this skill.

The offense dropped the ball in 2015 (pardon the pun). This was due to a combination of factors — injuries, the play of the offensive line and the play-calling.

There is hope for 2016, and with a better run with injury, improved line play and a coach who loves to run the football, the 130-plus rushing mark is within reach.

Hyde will be back, and he is a top-eight running back when he is healthy. The offensive line will be better — Daniel Kilgore should be fully healthy, Zane Beadles will be motivated, and Joshua Garnett is a mauler who loves to run block. Provided the coaches can manage to keep Erik Pears off the field, then the O-line should be awesome!

The running back depth is very good going into the season. Shaun Draughn, DuJuan Harris, Kelvin Taylor and Mike Davis can all impact the game in a positive and change-of-pace way. An effective running game will lessen the pressure on the QB and enable a better chance of scoring more points.

Next: A Niners QB must throw 20-plus touchdowns in 2016