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5 Keys to the 49ers Finding Success In 2016

By Robert Smith

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jimmie Ward (25) celebrates the touchdown of free safety Eric Reid (35) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jimmie Ward (25) celebrates the touchdown of free safety Eric Reid (35) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Run The Ball Effectively

The run game started out with so much promise last year as Carlos Hyde rushed for 168 yards against the Minnesota Vikings.

Unfortunately, that was the high point of the season for, not only Hyde, but the run game in general.

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    • Enter Chip Kelly, bringing with him a zone-blocking scheme perfectly suited for Hyde.

    The 2015 version of the Niners finished 29th in the league in rushing. While with the Eagles, Chip Kelly’s rushing attack ranked first in the NFL in his inaugural season. The 49ers are hoping Kelly’s zone-blocking scheme can have the same effect on their run game to propel an offense that ranked last in the league a season ago.

    After averaging over 140 yards per game from 2011 to 2013, the 49ers fell all the way to 21st in the league in 2015, as they averaged only 96.5 yards per game.

    In order for the team to operate efficiently and keep its defense on the sideline, the run game has to improve. Quarterback Blaine Gabbert is much more effective (as most QBs are) when the run game is hitting on all cylinders.

    With the addition of first-round pick Joshua Garnett to the offensive line, the return of center Daniel Kilgore and the addition of free-agent guard Zane Beadles, the 49ers have enough talent along the starting offensive line to be effective this season.

    Add late-round draft picks Fahn Cooper and John Theus, and the return of retired Pro Bowl tackle Anthony Davis, this group should be able to push piles in the trenches this season.

    The success of the offensive line and run game will be vital in how well the Niners operate on offense. It also will  greatly effect just how much rest the 49ers defense will get between series.

    Next: No. 3: Stopping The Run