Before the season even began, the 49ers lost their prized free agent to a torn ACL.
Running back Jerick McKinnon was supposed to fit Kyle Shanahan's offense perfectly with his versatility. He could run off tackle for a big gain or take a pass to the end zone. Instead, this season has been the Matt Breida show.
In a season to forget for 49ers fans, Breida has been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL. When he has the ball in his hands, don't blink, a big play is waiting to happen.
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Breida's speed has been at an elite level this season that only No. 2 overall draft pick Saquon Barkley, Tarik Cohen, and Tevin Coleman can join him in.
Despite rushing for 3,740 yards while averaging a beyond nice 6.9 yards per carry in three seasons at Georgia Southern University, Breida went undrafted after the 2016 season. He wasn't even invited to the NFL Pro Scouting Combine, but ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the Philadelphia Eagles' Pro Day, according to the Savannah Morning News.
Since being signed by the 49ers after the 2016 NFL Draft, Breida has been a steal in Santa Clara. He made the 53-man roster as a rookie where he ran for 465 yards at 4.4 yards per carry. This season as the lead back, Breida has been one of the best in the game.
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[RELATED: How Breida became 49ers' best surprise in 2018]
While battling and overcoming multiple injuries, Breida has rushed for 738 yards this season while only averaging 11.5 carries per game. Just like in college, his yards per carry are off the charts. At 5.8 yards per carry, Breida is second in the NFL among running backs with at least 100 carries.
Thanks to the emergence of Breida, the 49ers can have a lethal backfield in 2019 with a healthy McKinnon.