When planning to watch the late night Monday Night Football contest between the visiting Minnesota Vikings and the host San Francisco 49ers, many people were probably expecting the star running back in the game to be the formerly suspended running back of the Vikings, Adrian Peterson.
Not so fast though, said 49ers Head Coach Jim Tomsula as his defense was able to shut down the former Oklahoma Sooners' star running back. Not only did they stop Peterson for a mere 31 yards on a shockingly low ten carries, but the 49ers offense had something in store for the Vikings as well.
That is where Carlos Hyde came into play. He was handed the rock a dominating 26 times for 168 yards and two touchdowns. That doesn't even mention his two catches for another 14 yards. Hydes' two touchdown runs came from ten yards out in the second quarter and 17 yards out in the third quarter. Surprisingly though, Hyde was unable to break 20 yards on any carry in the game, with his longest being 18 yards. Granted, it is a brilliant game plan to focus more on rushing the ball instead of passing the ball, that way you are setting up Colin Kaepernick for some beautiful play action passes and can even get him some running plays of his own, which his legs are one of his best weapons.
This was one of the tougher votes over at VAVEL USA among the writers today, as picking Aaron Donald for Defensive Player of the Week and Marcus Mariota for Rookie of the Week were considerably easier. But with the dominant performances that come across each week on offense, it is going to be difficult all season long. One thing for certain is that Hyde and the 49ers will be doing everything they can to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in week two.