San Francisco 49ers: Top 10 plays from 2018, Weeks 1 through 10

49ers top play No. 2

The 49ers’ No. 2 play of 2018 finds itself near the top of our list because it embodies the concept of teamwork, and demonstrates what can be accomplished when you combine elite athletic ability with selfless effort from the athlete’s teammates.

As San Francisco neared the fourth quarter of their Week-2 matchup with the Detroit Lions, this play proved to be the turning point in the 49ers’ first win of 2018.

No one questioned Breida’s speed and acceleration last season, but he lacked patience during his rookie year, which he worked on over the 2018 offseason. His dedication to this area of his game was evident, as his patience — both at the beginning and the end of the run — combined with his quick burst from the San Francisco backfield into the Detroit secondary, made this play a success.

The 49ers’ offensive line wasn’t perfect on this play, but McGlinchey’s success at the second level allowed Breida to hit the hole at full speed, which made left guard Laken Tomlinson‘s missed block a non-factor.

As Breida cut back inside, he found a willing blocker in Garcon, who engaged Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson at Detroit’s 40-yard line. Brieda patiently waited behind Garcon, who escorted both the Lions’ DB and the 49ers’ RB into the end zone.

But Garcon wasn’t the only Niner looking for work 60 yards downfield. Pettis was also searching for a defender to block, and both offensive linemen McGlinchey and Michael Person were in hot pursuit.

While Breida received the official credit for this 67-yard touchdown run, it was truly a team affair.