Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers running game growing pains heading into 2017

By Jonah Burros

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers hands the ball to teammate Matt Breida #49 against the Minnesota Vikings in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers hands the ball to teammate Matt Breida #49 against the Minnesota Vikings in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

No. 2 Priority on Speed

This issue is strange but true. Kyle Shanahan’s system pushes speed hitting the holes in his scheme above all else.

Carlos Hyde came into camp slimmed down and faster for a reason. This running scheme demands quick transitions from the backfield to the second level because of the play-action aspect of the offense.

More from Niner Noise

Unfortunately, this quick burst into the second level works against Hyde’s most predominate virtue. Hyde has had his best runs utilizing his superior behind-the-line patience and counter abilities, allowing the defense to commit and his blocks to develop. Shanahan’s run scheme doesn’t account for this much, and I have seen the repercussions in Hyde’s game because of it.

The addition of a few plays that extenuate this strength might equal out to some big gains when Hyde is in the game.

This is also what I personally attribute the lack of running production from Kapri Bibbs, his largest attributes were in his cutback game in the backfield, and this scheme just doesn’t provide for this skill set.

As I look at the upcoming season and Hyde’s raw talent and work ethic, I believe that the main three backs will fluorish as time goes on but, the interior three lineman are going to have to step up their game in order to make it a threat down the stretch.

Above all, it has become obvious where next years draft and free agency acquisitions should be prioritized.

Next: Katie Sowers, more than her preference

Continue to follow Niner Noise for the most in depth analysis of the 49ers week in and week out this season. If you have the resources, please think about our brothers and sisters in the Houston area and donate what you can through J.J. Watt’s efforts with the Youcaring Compassionate Croud Funding.

The needs of the many after Hurricane Harvey are paramount and every dollar helps.