San Francisco 49ers: Stacking up the running backs against the NFC West

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 17: Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball in the first half of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

San Francisco 49ers

Key Contributors: Jerick McKinnon, Matt Breida, Kyle Juszczyk

One of the biggest concerns some have is how McKinnon is going to replace the production of Hyde. While it’s true that McKinnon has value not just as a ballcarrier, but as a receiver out of the backfield – traits that make him a very important weapon in Shanahan’s arsenal.

But, as mentioned in the opening slide, the question is whether or not McKinnon will be able to move the chains for the 49ers.

The ability to move the chains on the ground is something this team desperately needs – and something they didn’t do all that well last season. In 2017, the 49ers had just 88 total rushing first downs. That ranked them twentieth in the league overall.

More than that, San Francisco’s 1,662 rushing yards were only good for twenty-first in the league. Of those 1,662 rushing yards, 938 belonged to Carlos Hyde. Not to mention eight of their 15 total rushing touchdowns, and 48 of those 88 total rushing first downs.

Despite Hyde being the bulk of their running attack, they’re handing the keys to the ground game over to McKinnon, who set a career high last year, with 570 rushing yards. His three rushing touchdowns were also, a career high.

McKinnon’s 991 total yards from scrimmage, were still far less than Hyde’s 1,288, so it’s difficult to see exactly, how this is an upgrade at the position. Yes, in Shanahan’s system, McKinnon’s numbers will likely go up. He’ll get more opportunities to make plays in both the run and passing game. No question.

But, will San Francisco’s ground game be better off with the smaller, shiftier back, rather than the guy who can lower his pads and grind out yards – and first downs?

With McKinnon in the lineup, Breida should see more touches, as should Juszczyk. They could form a decent 1-2-3 punch in the backfield.

Make no mistake though, it’s not an elite group of running backs. Nor is it anywhere near the top of their own division.