RB Matt Breida discusses Jimmy Garoppolo, decision to join 49ers

San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida is averaging 4.2 yards per carry in relief of starter Carlos Hyde. He has had an impressive rookie season considering there were some that questioned whether or not he would even make the final roster.

Breida was not drafted in April. He signed with the team as an undrafted free agent. From that point, Breida worked to prove he could make it in the NFL. He was on a roster that already included Hyde, a fourth-round draft selection in Joe Williams, a player the 49ers traded for in Kapri Bibbs, and veteran Tim Hightower. While it was a crowded backfield, Breida believed San Francisco was the place for him.

This past Sunday, the young running back once again proved his worth with a 30-yard touchdown run in the closing minutes against the Jacksonville Jaguars to seal the 49ers' fourth-straight victory and fifth of the season.


Breida joined KNBR on Wednesday morning and shared what it felt like to get into the end zone for the second time this season and at such a crucial moment in the game.

"It felt awesome," Breida said on the "Murph & Mac" show. "Our whole mindset the whole drive though, just staying balanced, and run the clock, and get the win. The holes happen to open up, the wide receivers and offensive line did a great job blocking, so I give all the credit to them."

Breida also discussed the decision to join the 49ers where he went up against some intense offseason competition just to make the team.

"I just feel like it was the right fit," Breida said. "(Running game specialist) coach Mike McDaniels, he was on the phone with me throughout the whole free agent process, and I really feel like him and (running backs coach) Bobby Turner really believed in me.

"And, like I said, you just get that gut feeling this is the place for me, and that's the way I felt the whole time with them. So that's why I made the decision, and it turned out to be the right decision, and I would go back and do it again."

Jimmy Garoppolo's name has dominated 49ers headlines. The quarterback has rejuvenated the team and created a sense of excitement about the future of the franchise. Garoppolo has won each of his four starts after previous 49ers quarterbacks lost 10 of the first 11 games.

What does Breida say when people ask him about Garoppolo?

"I tell them he's ice cold, man," Breida answered. "It's kind of funny how nothing affects this guy and how he carries himself. You would think he's been a starter for the past 10 years. And, like I said, he's just a great guy, and he just knows how to win."

Fans have taken notice of Garoppolo's poise and command of the offense. As Breida pointed out, it is hard to believe the quarterback has started just six games over the course of his NFL career – and won each of them. The 26-year-old Garoppolo acts like he has been starting for years and makes sure the players around him are as prepared as they can be.

"He always makes sure the team is on the same page," Breida continued. "If we've got to have an extra meeting before the game, we have it. Just little things like that to make sure everyone's together and ready to get this win."

Breida also discussed the change in attitude Garoppolo has brought to the 49ers. After spending most of the season trying to get past loss after loss, the team has learned how to win.

"I would just say it's the aura of the whole team that has been different," Breida said. "Everyone's come together more. Like I said, we're like a brotherhood on this team. We have each other's back, and I feel like he's provided that over these last couple of weeks stringing in these last couple of wins. We feel like we can do anything now and beat anybody. We've just got to keep carrying this momentum into next year and keep it going."

You can listen to the entire interview with Breida below.