Why Carlos Hyde Is 49ers' Most Pleasant Surprise After 3 Weeks

At 1-2 through three games, the San Francisco 49ers will have to dig themselves out of this hole if they intend to compete in the ultra competitive NFC West. Luckily, early-season struggles aren't foreign to this team.

Remember, the 49ers were 1-2 to start the 2013 season.

The 49ers then went on a five-game winning streak to quell any concerns that the team was on a downslide. Of course, they'll have to find that magic once again in a must-win against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4. It won't be an easy task, but if the 49ers want to return to success, they'll have to get the running game going. And by that, I mean start giving the rock to rookie standout Carlos Hyde. 

Now, Hyde's numbers won't blow you away. Never mind the numbers, just watch the game tape. It's clear that Hyde has been the best running back on the 49ers roster through the first three weeks.

Here are a few reasons why Hyde has been a bright spot for the 49ers.

Bully in the red zone

Anyone who watched Oho State games would tell you that Hyde is a power back through and through. This makes Hyde the perfect red-zone running threat for Colin Kaepernick and Co. 

Hyde is such a perfect fit for this 49ers squad. Like Gore, Hyde is physical, patient and explosive in between the hashes. Not to mention, he's a fantastic blocker on passing downs. 

In the red zone, this gives Hyde and the 49ers plenty of versatility. So far, the 49ers have only utilized Hyde in running situations, and the rookie has certainly delivered to the tune of two rushing touchdowns. 

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

One came in the 49ers blowout victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. The second rushing touchdown was delivered against the Cardinals, and boy, does Hyde impose his will on his way to the end zone. 

The 49ers have moved the ball relatively well over the first three weeks despite their struggles in the second half of games. If the 49ers offense can matches its first-half production in the second half, we could see plenty of red-zone opportunities for Hyde going forward. 

Don't be surprised if Hyde hovers around double-digit touchdowns on the season. 

Injuries and depth

Despite his high draft standing, Hyde wasn't supposed to be the second back behind starter Frank Gore. Fans may have forgotten that Kendall Hunter, prior to tearing his ACL, was the change-of-pace back for this 49ers offense. 

Not to mention, the 49ers cut LaMichael James, which opened up more opportunities for Hyde to spell Gore. At the current moment, the 49ers are only carrying two pure running backs on the roster. 

By not adding a third running back, the 49ers are confident that Hyde can carry the workload if needed. 

Frank Gore's usage

The 49ers' struggles will continue to make headlines until their issues are fixed; however, the blame does not lie in Gore's supposedly declining ability.

Yes, I stated previously that Hyde has been the better back so far to start the season. Gore has looked sluggish, which isn't surprising considering his age and heavy usage in previous seasons. Nonetheless, it was shocking to see Gore's limited production in the 49ers' loss to the Cardinals last week.

Gore only carried the ball six times for 10 yards. The last time Gore carried the ball less than seven times was in 2012 against the Seattle Seahawks. Not surprisingly, the 49ers lost that game to the Seahawks, 42-13. 

What does this have to do with Hyde? Well, you have to wonder if the 49ers are purposely limiting Gore in the hopes of keeping him fresh throughout the season. If so, Hyde should be the biggest benefactor in this 49ers offense.

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Of course, this could also be due to the 49ers' insistence on throwing the football. Honestly, Hyde didn't really benefit from Gore's limited touches in Week 3, having only carried the ball three times himself. 

Regardless, this is something we should monitor going forward. If the 49ers are leaning toward a timeshare in the backfield, this could possibly be Gore's final year with the 49ers. 

That means Hyde will be the featured back much sooner than many expected.