Fansided

NFL: 5 surprising performances from Sunday

By Evan Massey

Sep 7, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns (88) catches a 34-yard touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns (88) catches a 34-yard touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi
August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi /

5. Carlos Hyde, San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco selected former Ohio State Buckeyes running back Carlos Hyde with the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, and believe that he is the heir apparent to veteran Frank Gore. He has a very similar body type, but at his age is more explosive and able to make much quicker cuts that Gore could at this stage in his career. The rookie came through for the 49ers in a big game against the Dallas Cowboys, and helped give San Francisco a lead that they would never end up letting go.

Hyde rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown on seven attempts, which average out to 7.1 yards per carry. He likely isn’t ready to be the every week starter, but he isn’t too far away either. Having a player with the skill that Gore possesses is going to be big for Hyde’s development, and it was very obvious already that Gore has taken Hyde under his wing.

Gore is going to remain the starting running back for the foreseeable future, and will likely end up keeping him in the starting lineup all season long unless some sort of injury occurs that forces him out. Hyde is the type of back that will always be ready when his number is called, and the 49ers are expected to give him more carries to help keep Gore healthy and fresh for the late season push and postseason. He didn’t look like a rookie at all in his debut, and is more than capable of taking on a heavier load than he did yesterday afternoon.

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