5 reasons to be excited about the 49ers in 2019
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: An Overabundance of Running Backs
While it wasn’t a position of weakness in 2018, per se, few would likely state the 49ers’ situation at running back was ideal last season.
Especially when then-undrafted rookie Jeff Wilson was getting meaningful carries over the second half.
The film gurus and scheme critics may say Kyle Shanahan’s offense is known for scheming receiving targets to get open, yes. But Shanahan’s system is a run-first one, predicated on unique outside-zone rushing techniques to set up intricate play-action passes and bootlegs after establishing the run.
That establishment should be much, much better in 2019.
Sure, Matt Breida finished the year with an average of 5.3 yards per carry, which ranked fourth best in the NFL. But the excessive use meant he was a regular on the Niners’ weekly injury report. This season, he won’t have to shoulder the load, as long as his fellow runners stay healthy.
Jerick McKinnon and one of Shanahan’s favorites with the Atlanta Falcons, Tevin Coleman, both serve as versatile pass-catching options out of the backfield, only adding a dynamic spark to an offense that didn’t reach its full potential in this particular unique facet last season.
And while McKinnon’s ACL tear from last year is a concern, the 49ers enter this season with far more depth at the position than they did to kick off 2018.