NFL Notebook, Week 6: Cam Newton’s future, fun 49ers, awards and more
By Zach Cohen
Fun in San Fran
Do you hear that click-clacking sound? That’s the 49ers Hype Train rolling on. Through five games, the team is more than just undefeated. Their offense has been on fire:
- Fourth in yards per game
- Third in points per game
- T-Third in rushing touchdowns
- Second in fewest sacks allowed
- T-Second in quarterback hits allowed
That is just the offense. Check out the defense:
- Second in yards allowed per game
- Second in points allowed per game
- Second in touchdowns allowed
- T-Sixth in sacks
- T-Fourth in interceptions
After an injury-plagued 2018 season, including nearly an entire season without quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, this success has to be a breath of fresh air for the organization. The offense is clicking behind an effective running game and a strong offensive line.
Whether it be an undrafted running back in Matt Breida, Raheem Mostert or Jeff Wilson, or multi-million-dollar man Tevin Coleman, coach Kyle Shanahan has drawn up all kinds of madness for his running back room.
As fun as the offense has looked, major credit is due to the defense. Defensive coordinator (and future head coach) Robert Saleh finally has a healthy, proven unit that just held the great Rams’ offense to seven points. Los Angeles’ struggles is a whole other story, but praise for the 49ers is long overdue.
They are fun to watch again and should be taken seriously by the rest of the league.