NFL MVP Watch: Tom Brady, Rookie Lead Week 1 Edition
Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back
Carlos Hyde(28) carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi
3. Carlos Hyde, San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have lost just about everything on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively, they lost the face of the franchise in long-time running back Frank Gore, who’s now with the Indianapolis Colts.
Carlos Hyde is one week into making the world forget all about that.
Carlos Hyde's 168 rushing yards & 2 TD were the most by a 49er since Frank Gore in 2009 against the Seahawks. pic.twitter.com/AFVTGy6B0m
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 15, 2015
The question is, can Hyde maintain this level of play until the end of the season?
Hyde’s performance against the Minnesota Vikings was one that truly established his value in San Francisco. Not only did he post monster numbers, but he worked hard for what he achieved.
With Colin Kaepernick missing big throws, Hyde carried San Francisco to victory.
Carlos Hyde: 168 rushing yards in 49ers win.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 15, 2015
77 rushing yards after contact, the most for any player in Week 1.pic.twitter.com/p3dLn8XEws
That’s every coach’s offensive coordinator’s favorite statistic: yards after contact.
Hyde doesn’t need to rush for 150-plus yards per game, but he’ll need to set the pace on offense. Kaepernick has been erratic throughout his career, and that’ll remain true until it isn’t.
If Hyde can produce and carry the offense, however, he’ll remain in the MVP discussion until the end.
Next: The Rookie