49ers: Full Position Breakdown and Depth-Chart Analysis at Running Back

June 10, 2015   ·   Grant Cohn   ·   Jump to comments

From what I have seen during OTAs and minicamp, the San Francisco 49ers’ running game is completely different than last season.
First difference: The blocking scheme. Last season, they used a gap-blocking scheme, and the bread-and-butter running plays were “Power” and “Counter.” This year, they seem to be using a zone-blocking scheme, and the bread-and-butter running plays are stretch runs to the outside and read-option plays up the middle.
Second difference: The blockers. Two of the Niners’ strongest and slowest run-blockers the past five seasons, guard Mike Iupati (6'5", 331 lbs) and tackle Anthony Davis (6'5", 323 lbs), are gone. Their replacements are guard Brandon Thomas (6'3", 317 lbs) and tackle Erik Pears (6'8", 316 lbs)—faster offensive linemen who can execute zone-blocking plays.
Final difference: The starting running back. From 2006 to last season, the starter was Frank Gore. Now, he’s starting for the ...

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