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SANTA CLARA – Running back Carlos Hyde had nine touches for the 49ers on Sunday and was not a factor for a struggling offense in the team’s 17-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
“No, that’s not what we want,” 49ers coach Jim Tomsula said. “But we have to play a complete game. We have to be able to throw the ball. We have to be able to protect. We’ve got to be able to do those things and stay into an offense that is in rhythm.”
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Hyde gained just 20 yards rushing on eight attempts. He caught one pass for two yards.
“They brought the safeties down, played a zero look a lot,” Hyde said. “They brought extra defenders in the box. It’s hard to run against eight or nine guys in the box.”
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The Packers stacked against the run and typically did not play with a safety over the top to help the cornerbacks in coverage. Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy said slowing down Hyde was his team’s top priority.
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“Carlos Hyde is, I think he’s a fantastic young player,” McCarthy said. “We were very impressed with him throughout the film study and the preparation phase. So their run game was our starting point, no doubt.”
After rushing for 168 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries in the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, Hyde gained 114 yards on 36 rushing attempts (3.2-yard average) with no touchdowns in the past three games.