Carlos Hyde started the 2015 NFL season off looking like a superstar for the San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately, injuries completely derailed his big season last year and he ended up being a major question mark coming into the 2016 season. He helped answer some of the questions once again in the 49ers’ 28-0 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1.
If the 49ers are going to make any noise in the NFC this season, Hyde is going to have to be a big part of it. Blaine Gabbert simply isn’t capable of powering the offense himself and there is no question that Hyde is the best running back on the roster.
Throughout the course of the 49ers’ Week 1 win, Hyde ended up carrying the football 23 times for 88 yards and two touchdowns.
At just 25-years-old, the 49ers’ fan base should be extremely excited with what they saw Hyde do on Monday night. He has a ton of potential to work his way into over the next few years. If he is capable of living up to his full potential, Hyde can end up being one of the best running backs in the NFL.
Looking ahead to Week 2, the 49ers will get an even better sense of just how much they can count on Hyde this season.
San Francisco will have to go up against the Carolina Panthers’ tenacious defense. Gabbert will not be considered a lethal threat by the Panthers’ defense and they will focus on rushing the passer and shutting down Hyde and the ground game. Hyde will have to figure out a way to put up numbers even with the added attention that he will receive.
Needless to say, it will be interesting to see what the rest of the 2016 season holds for Hyde and the 49ers.
Expect to see Hyde continue with his impressive season over the next few weeks. Assuming he is able to stay healthy, Hyde should finally begin showing a little bit of his full potential. Playing within a running back friendly offense like Chip Kelly’s will be a major help for Hyde and the 49ers’ fan base should be excited to see what the future holds for their starting running back.
