When Chip Kelly was named as the head coach for the San Francisco 49ers, one player had to be grinning from ear to ear. That player is running back Carlos Hyde. Kelly’s run-first approach is why Hyde will be an X-factor in Week 1.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly is known an “offensive innovator,” with his high-tempo, flashy style of offense.
But at the core of Kelly’s offense is the run game, specifically the zone-run scheme. Kelly has preached, time and time again, his game plan relies heavily on the run game. And that he won’t shy away from it in what has become a passing league.
Here is what Kelly said he looks for in a running back when explaining the zone-run scheme at a lecture he gave at the University of Southern California:
We want him to jam the ball into the hole and be a tough runner. We do not want a jingle-footed back trying to hit a homerun. We want him to hit the ball into the line and get the tough yards. We are a blue-collar guy going to work.
49ers running back Carlos Hyde is that guy.
Hyde has never been the type of back to shy away from contact. And when running, he looks for it.
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Hyde has the opportunity to have his most productive season as a pro under Kelly. And on Monday night against their division rival Los Angeles Rams, is his first step.
The 49ers key to success against the Rams will be to utilize the zone-run to set up the play-action pass. Hyde will be given a lot of carries in order for this to happen.
The 49ers running game is the focal point of Kelly’s offensive game plan. And attacking the Rams at their strongest position — the defensive line.
Hyde’s familiarity with the zone run (he ran a zone scheme while playing for Ohio State) will help. And the scheme can get the Rams aggressive defensive line to over pursue, opening up cut-back lanes for Hyde.
The 49ers excelled at the running game during the preseason, leading the NFL with 737 yards in four games. And it has proven to be the strength of the offense. Kelly is not going to change things, and Hyde is going to reap all the benefits.
If Hyde can get going early, the 49ers might find themselves in a similar situation they were in during Week 1 of the 2015 NFL season. Hyde finished with 168 yards rushing and two touchdowns, which led the 49ers to victory on Monday night a year ago.
Monday night’s match up against the Rams will be a tough one. But any success the 49ers achieve will hinge on the play of Hyde, making him the true X-factor for the 49ers.
All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of CBSsports.com and ESPN.com unless otherwise indicated.
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