5 crucial takeaways from 49ers Week 16 win vs. Rams
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers Running Back Depth Is a Good Problem to Have
Last offseason, one might have questioned the 49ers decision to add veteran running back Tevin Coleman in free agency.
This deep in the season, however, that decision has paid off.
True, Coleman has pulled something of a disappearing act in the second half, although that’s largely been accounted for thanks to the emergence of one-time-only special teams ace Raheem Mostert and his ascension as an offensive weapon.
Coleman was a factor, however, in Week 16 and managed an average of 6.6 yards per carry on five attempts, including a notable 12-yard pickup late in the fourth quarter. Mostert, meanwhile, led all Niners ball carriers on the ground with 53 yards on 11 attempts.
While no one San Francisco running back took over the game, the rotation has allowed Kyle Shanahan to employ a potent rotation this deep into the season. As the game turned out, running back Matt Breida didn’t get a single rush attempt in the game.
Simply put, he didn’t need to. The 49ers could afford to keep him rested and fresh for what promises to be a vital game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17.
The Seahawks, meanwhile, are more than just banged up at running back heading into that contest:
Nightmare day for #Seahawks gets worse:
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) December 23, 2019
- Chris Carson (hip) out for the season
- C.J. Prosise (broken arm) out for the season
- Duane Brown (knee/bicep) is going to get his knee operated tomorrow and will miss Week 17 at least