The San Francisco 49ers rank 18th in the NFL in rushing yards, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry. Christian McCaffrey is averaging 3.5 yards per attempt—a career low—and has accounted for 124 of the 49ers' 196 rushing yards so far this season.
While it's only been two games, these numbers are ones the 49ers would like to improve, especially given how crucial a strong running game is to head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.
Shanahan spoke to reporters on Wednesday and was asked why the rushing production hasn't matched expectations. Are opposing defenses loading the box against the 49ers?
"No, it's actually more the opposite," Shanahan said. "More two shell defenses and stuff. The blitzes and stuff was considered loading the box, but they're doing it with more two-shell stuff. But we haven't got a big one. I think it's harder to get big ones versus two shell.
Although the stats may not look impressive against the New Orleans Saints, Shanahan believes their run defense might be underrated.
"Versus the Saints, I think we had the longest carry on them versus a two shell defense in a year and one games," the coach explained. "I think it was 13 yards. But there's a couple of plays that we've been one guy off on, that I thought we could have got a big one on, especially for some eight-man fronts. But it takes 11 guys to do it. You can't get a big one when one guy's off.
"But I'm not too concerned with the run game, but I'd like to get more production."
The 49ers aim to get their ground game back on track Sunday when they host the Arizona Cardinals, who rank 20th in the NFL against the run and are allowing 4.7 yards per carry.