5 overreactions to 49ers’ embarrassing start to 2022 season
By Peter Panacy
Overreaction No. 4: 49ers rushing attack is in serious trouble
Whatever the reactions to Jimmy Garoppolo may be, the fact is Kyle Shanahan’s offense is still a run-first system.
And one has to give credit to Denver’s defense for adding a fifth defensive lineman for the bulk of the Week 3 bout to help take away this approach by the Niners.
San Francisco managed only 88 yards in Week 3, and 37 of those came when running back Jeff Wilson Jr. ripped off a huge carry to help influence the average total of 4.6 yards per rush. Take away that particular run, and the 49ers averaged only 2.8 yards per attempt.
Disastrous, right?
Not so fast, actually. Despite what happened in Denver, the Niners still have 453 rush yards on the season, which is good for fifth most in the NFL through three weeks. And their 4.5 yards-per-carry average is tied for 12th, which isn’t disastrous either.
Keep in mind that San Francisco will get back its best running back, Elijah Mitchell, once he’s cleared from a knee injury suffered in Week 1, and rookie Tyrion Davis-Price should help restock the depth chart, too.
The ground game might not be dominant through three weeks, no. But it’s not a disaster by any means.