Raheem Mostert leads qualifying NFL running backs with an average of six rushing yards per attempt. Now with 608 rushing yards this season, he surpassed Matt Breida as the San Francisco 49ers' leading rusher.
It's safe to say that Mostert's success is not a fluke, and the running back has proven he deserves more opportunities to contribute down the stretch.
"I mean, how many games can you go and how many years can you go averaging six yards a carry, somewhere in there?" head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Monday. "I mean, we keep trying to balance it out and stuff, but what Raheem has done these last few weeks and has continued to do, we need to give him more opportunities. He's given us no choice. I'm happy for him, and it's been great. He's been extremely impressive."
Mostert made some headlines last week in New Orleans, saying that he expected a neutral crowd at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome during Sunday's 49ers-Saints matchup. The Who Dat Nation, one of the most enthusiastic home crowds in the NFL, took offense and scoffed at the idea that an invading fanbase would have a significant impact.
Mostert calling the Saints' home stadium the "Voodoo Dome" also fueled the ire of New Orleans fans.
Mostert's comments about a neutral field, however, was more a credit to the 49ers fanbase than a knock on those who support the Saints. The 49ers have a nationwide following, and Niner fans have shown up in force this season during road games, including before, during, and after Sunday's game at the Superdome.
You could even hear a few exuberant "Let's go Niners" chants break out on Sunday.
Mostert joined KNBR on Tuesday and discussed what it was like playing against the Saints at the Superdome.
"The fans were the fans, man," Mostert told Greg Papa and John Lund. "They were unbelievable, especially in the 'Dome. I was just trying to credit our fans. We have a great fanbase, as well, and I was just letting them know our fanbase is nothing to mess around with because, as you saw the previous games throughout the season, we've had nothing but the Niner Faithful just step up and help us. (That was the case) especially on defense, chanting 'defense,' and helping our defense out on those road games.
"I didn't expect anything less when we were going into the Voodoo Dome."
Mostert finished the game with 109 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns, and the 49ers won the game 48-46, improving their record to 11-2.
Barring a late-season drop-off by San Francisco, any playoff rematch with the Saints will likely take place in Santa Clara in front of the Niner Faithful at Levi's Stadium.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Mostert below.
