When the 49ers drafted Carlos Hyde, the loaded San Francisco backfield became even more embarrassingly rich with talent.
Colin Kaepernick contributed over 500 yards rushing last season, while Frank Gore rushed for over 1,000. Hyde, selected in the second round, became the third 49ers back drafted within the last three seasons. The two other San Francisco picks at the position, LaMichael James (UPDATE: the 49ers released James today) and Marcus Lattimore, aren't consistent contributors – Lattimore's injuries being the main reason he isn't.
With the steady Gore, an explosive quarterback in Kaepernick and a trio of young, talented running backs – not even including the injured Kendall Hunter – carries aren't easy to find in that backfield. Still, Hyde found a way to crack his way into their rotation.
His seven carries for 50 yards, Sunday, culminated in this:
At one point during the telecast, FOX analyst Troy Aikman said he talked to 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman and asked him, "Is there any situation where you're not comfortable using Carlos Hyde?" Roman's response: "Not one." ¡Vivo El Guapo!
Boone Held Out of Starting Lineup
One man who didn't clear the way for Hyde, Sunday, was guard Alex Boone.
The former Buckeye tackle sat out all of training camp while attempting to renegotiate his contract. Boone ended his holdout last weekend and placed on the active roster, Saturday. Apparently, Michigan Man Jim Harbaugh didn't feel like Boone was prepared enough to start in their opener against the Cowboys.
Joe Looney started at right guard in his place, while Boone was shamed by the team's official Twitter account when he took part of what was, essentially, a victory formation:
#49ers OL Alex Boone in as an extra blocker in this near-victory running plays.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 7, 2014
Meanwhile, CBS' Jason LaCanfora reported Boone offered to end his holdout and play next season for $1. Unless someone is trolling LaCanfora, it was, apparently, a serious offer.
Instead, Boone will earn $6 million for the remaining two seasons left on his deal.
"IronHands" Heyward
Browns right tackle Mitchell Schwartz isn't necessarily known for his pass protection prowess – quite the opposite, especially at the beginning of each of his first two seasons in the NFL.
Pittsburgh's Cameron Heyward erupted towards the end of last season and didn't slow down in Week One. Craig "Ironhead" Heyward's son had two tackles for losses, one sack and took advantage of a glitch in Schwartz's blocking:
Play of the Week
Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has this annoying habit of rallying his team from a huge deficit. The most notable occurrence was in last season's wild card win over the Chiefs.
Sunday, up seven with under two minutes left, Bradley Roby ensured Denver did not end up on this ridiculous list of Luck's double-digit comeback victories by breaking up this fourth down pass:
How They Fared in Week One
| Player | team | position | stats/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Adams | Pittsburgh Steelers | OT | Listed as the backup right tackle and this is not a compliment |
| Will Allen | Pittsburgh Steelers | S | Backup free safety, contributed on special teams in win over Browns |
| Alex Boone | San Francisco 49ers | OL | Did not start in win over Cowboys |
| Philly Brown | Carolina Panthers | WR/KR/PR | 3 punt returns, 36 yards, 1 tackle on special teams in win over Bucs |
| Chimdi Chekwa | Oakland Raiders | CB | Inactive in loss to Jets |
| Kurt Coleman | Kansas City Chiefs | S | Inactive in loss to Titans |
| Nate Ebner | New England Patriots | DB/ST | 1 tackle and saw more than special teams action in loss to Dolphins |
| Ted Ginn Jr. | Arizona Cardinals | WR | Plays tonight vs Chargers |
| Johnathan Hankins | New York Giants | DT | Plays tonight at Lions |
| Brian Hartline | Miami Dolphins | WR | 2 receptions, 26 yards in win over Patriots |
| A.J. Hawk | Green Bay Packers | LB | 8 tackles in loss to Seahawks, Thursday |
| Boom Herron | Indianapolis Colts | RB | Active and on special teams for loss to Broncos |
| Cameron Heyward | Pittsburgh Steelers | DE | 4 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss in win over Browns |
| Santonio Holmes | Chicago Bears | WR | 2 receptions, 21 yards in OT loss to Bills, as Bears WR injuries pile up |
| Carlos Hyde | San Francisco 49ers | RB | 7 carries, 50 yards, 1 touchdown in win over Cowboys |
| Malcolm Jenkins | Philadelphia Eagles | S | 4 tackles in win over Jaguars and Eagles fans like him. For now. |
| James Laurinaitis | St. Louis Rams | LB | 5 tackles in an "embarrassing loss" in front of his dad |
| Corey Linsley | Green Bay Packers | C | His play was one of few positives for Packers in loss to Seahawks |
| Nick Mangold | New York Jets | C | Jets ran for 212 yards in win over Raiders |
| Jake McQuaide | St. Louis Rams | LS | Blowout loss to Vikings, but is pleased by the Cincinnati Elder reunion |
| Jack Mewhort | Indianapolis Colts | OL | Started at left guard, deemed "effective" by Cris Collinsworth |
| Andrew Norwell | Carolina Panthers | OL | Inactive in win over Bucs |
| Mike Nugent | Cincinnati Bengals | K | Fueled Bengals victory over Ravens with 5 field goals |
| DeVier Posey | Houston Texans | WR | Inactive for game, but valuable in preparation for Redskins |
| Bradley Roby | Denver Broncos | CB | 7 tackles, 3 passes defended in win over Colts |
| Dane Sanzenbacher | Cincinnati Bengals | WR | Active, but no receptions in win over Ravens |
| Ryan Shazier | Pittsburgh Steelers | LB | 6 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended in win over Browns |
| Rob Sims | Detroit Lions | OG | Plays tonight vs Giants |
| Donte Whitner | Cleveland Browns | S | Led Browns with 13 tackles in loss to Steelers |
