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10 Areas of Hope, Concern for the San Francisco 49ers in 2016

By Peter Panacy

Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. San Francisco beat Dallas 28-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. San Francisco beat Dallas 28-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Carlos Hyde and the Running Game

Last season, running back Carlos Hyde was supposed to enjoy his breakout year as he emerged from the shadows of former 49ers tailback Frank Gore.

Week 1 seemed to reveal this, but a foot injury put a damper on what was supposed to be an amazing effort. Hyde managed to appear in just seven games and was unable to crest more than 500 rushing yards.

Hyde is back healthy now, and he should benefit from the inside-zone scheme employed by head coach Chip Kelly. Tack on some reinforcements in the backfield, and Hyde won’t be asked to shoulder the entire burden of San Francisco’s rushing attack.

Room for Hope

Hyde spoke with the media, via the 49ers’ own YouTube site, and detailed his plans for the upcoming season:

He also had this to say, via the team’s website:

"I definitely believe that his system will help showcase all my abilities. Not just as a ball carrier, but also as a threat in the passing game. This system is just a blessing in disguise. I’m really looking forward to this year. I’m very excited about this year. I think it’s going to be an exciting year."

Hyde should thrive in a similar offense as what he ran while at Ohio State. And with fellow backs like DuJuan Harris, Shaun Draughn, Mike Davis and rookie Kelvin Taylor, there shouldn’t be much of a concern regarding depth.

Room for Concern

Injuries can’t be ignored here. The 49ers had a total of nine running backs on their roster, at one time or another, last season.

A multitude of injuries derailed the seasons of Hyde, former Niners running back Reggie Bush, Davis, Draughn and others at various times and lengths. And while Hyde slimming down should help, one has to wonder how he’ll meet the added stress.

Oh, and factor this into the equation — with all the questions surrounding San Francisco’s passing offense, or lack thereof, will opposing teams look to clamp down on what the Niners are trying to do on the ground?

Probably.

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