FB Brit Miller was impressive in his debut as the team's
backup fullback.
(AP Photo/Marcio Sanchez)
When Mike Singletary was promoted to full-time head coach of the 49ers, he promised that the team would adapt a strong running attack. He said that if the team can put together a solid game from the backfield, they would be a good team.
On Friday, the 49ers showed us exactly what Singletary had envisioned.
Early on in the game, FB Zak Keasey fractured his right forearm. His replacement, linebacker turned fullback Brit Miller did more than expected in his debut as a fullback.
Miller had two catches out of the backfield. His first catch was a 3-yard touchdown pass from Alex Smith. His next pass was a quick dump off in the flat in which he rumbled 40-yards for a score.
For a player that has been learning the fullback position only for approximately two weeks, it was very encouraging to see his development.
Star RB Frank Gore was given the night off, but his backups definitely made some waves. Starter Glen Coffee had 67 yards on 14 rushing attempts. His 4.8 yards per carry was very impressive. Backup Kory Sheets had 51 yards on 10 carries. The 5.1 yards per carry average is really encouraging to see. Granted that Sheets' production came against the second-team defense of Denver, but I like what I saw.
The downer of the evening was when Thomas Clayton was carted off the field after suffering a right knee sprain. He has been the team's best running back over the past two preseasons. His chances to make the team this year was already slim and the injury doesn't help his chances.
From what I saw last night, the running game looks to be in tremendous shape. The entire offensive line was pretty good. Despite giving up four sacks, overall, I was pleased with what I saw. The quarterback play could improve. But as for the running game, I am very encouraged to see the backfield playing at such a high level.
Follow me on Twitter for updates. Check me out here @SLam49ers
Comments
"Thomas Clayton was carted off the field after suffering a right knee sprain. He has been the team's best running back over the past two seasons."
Um, In what universe has Thomas Clayton been the 49ers best running back? He never even got a carry in the regular season...
I meant to say "preseason".
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