SB Nation’s NFL blogs are all writing today about the most surprising part of the 2017 season after one week. It is no surprise our friends at Arrowhead Pride are declaring the Kansas City Chiefs the biggest surprise in the league. Over at Blogging The Boys, they are talking about the surprising start by the Dallas Cowboys defense.
In looking through the San Francisco 49ers first week of the season, there are a few potential surprises to consider. The decision to sit Aaron Lynch as a coaches’ decision is a little surprising, and Jaquiski Tartt’s tackling problems on Sunday were a surprise. However, the real surprise might be the lack of more significant rushing opportunities for Carlos Hyde.
Hyde carried the ball nine times for 45 yards, while catching six passes for 32 yards. Matt Breida added four runs, and Kyle Juszczyk had one run. Seven of Hyde’s runs, for 44 yards, came in the first half before the game got entirely out of hand. In the second half, Hyde got a carry with the team down 20-0, and again on fourth and goal down 23-3.
The 49ers were in a tough position in the second half, but it felt like they might have abandoned the run a little too quickly. They had to do a better job moving the ball, but the defense was doing just enough to attempt to keep the game competitive. The passing game made some plays, but was way too inconsistent.
I’m not saying I expect Carlos Hyde to rush the ball 25 times game, but he was having success when he did run the ball. The 49ers will need to establish the ground game this week against a Seattle Seahawks defense that could, and probably will create serious problems for the 49ers passing game. If the 49ers are going to keep this game competitive, they’ll need to establish the run in a big way.