49ers: Top 10 Moments from San Francisco's 2016 Season

San Francisco 49ers: Top 10 Moments from the Otherwise Forgettable 2016 Season

Dec 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) pumps his fist as he acknowledges the cheers from the 49ers' fans after leading his team to a 22-21 come-from-behind win over the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) celebrates after he scores a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 6: RB Carlos Hyde Helps 49ers Engineer a Win in Week 1

Yes, there was a time this season when the Niners defense actually ranked No. 1 in the NFL.

This, of course, came way back after Week 1 when San Francisco shut out the Los Angeles Rams 28-0 on Monday Night Football.

That was a feat in itself, especially considering how bad the 49ers defense has been since. But even more impressive was running back Carlos Hyde.

Against a stout Rams defense, Hyde didn’t exactly have the whopping totals he enjoyed against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1 the year before. Still, Hyde managed 88 rushing yards and two touchdowns, sparking San Francisco’s effort and ensuring the Niners got off to a 1-0 start on the then-young season.