4 decisions that backfired on SF 49ers in 2020
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: SF 49ers not starting Jeff Wilson more frequently
The SF 49ers’ best running backs in 2020 are ranked as follows:
- Raheem Mostert
- Jeff Wilson Jr.
- Jerick McKinnon
- Tevin Coleman
- JaMycal Hasty
The Niners’ pecking order, at least when everyone was healthy, seemed to be the following:
- Raheem Mostert
- Tevin Coleman
- Jerick McKinnon
- Jeff Wilson Jr.
- JaMycal Hasty
Mostert’s injury situation for much of the year, combined with other injuries to other tailbacks, makes for a difficult evaluation. But it doesn’t excuse the fact head coach Kyle Shanahan should have opted to go with Wilson earlier in the season when Mostert was banged up.
After all, in the three games Wilson started, he managed to rush for 112, 183 and 76 yards with six combined touchdowns in those contests.
True, Coleman got only one start and it came after Wilson suffered an ankle injury in Week 7. But the decision to go with McKinnon as a starter in Weeks 3 and 4 was a bit of a shocker. Particularly in the latter matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles where quarterback Nick Mullens‘ turnovers ultimately led to an untimely defeat that set the tone for what was to be a major problem for San Francisco all year long.
If there’s good news, it looks as if Wilson will be part of the SF 49ers’ plans in 2021, whereas both Coleman and McKinnon are unrestricted free agents.