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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Reasons for Hope in 2016

By Peter Panacy

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 2, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs with the football during the third quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Levi's Stadium. The Rams defeated the 49ers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 2, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs with the football during the third quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Levi’s Stadium. The Rams defeated the 49ers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Running Back Carlos Hyde and the Scheme Fit

2015 was supposed to be the year in which running back Carlos Hyde broke out as one of the NFL’s best ball-carriers.

Week 1 last season looked to prove this, as Hyde dominated the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football. But a nagging foot injury, and San Francisco’s offensive line problems, prevented Hyde from truly reaching his potential.

Hyde has slimmed down entering 2016, and his pairing with head coach Chip Kelly could be the perfect match.

Niner Noise’s Rich Madrid gave an excellent assessment breaking down why Hyde will thrive in Kelly’s inside-zone scheme. It’s worth your time to read, and the article connects Hyde’s abilities — carried over from Ohio State — to what he’ll be able to do at the pro level under Kelly.

And Hyde’s excited about the possibility too.

“I definitely believe that his system will help showcase all my abilities,” Hyde said, via the team’s website. “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.”

The 49ers are counting on it.

With so many other questions on the offensive side of the ball, the Niners will look to Hyde as the bell cow of the offense. And if he can replicate his 2015 Week 1 efforts on more than a handful of occasions, the 49ers may actually wind up being in pretty good shape.

Next: DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead