Last week I asked the question if it was finally time for Raheem Mostert to breakout and demonstrate his greatness. In the online poll, we had 489 responses to the question, "Will Raheem Mostert become the next great 49er RB"? Sixty-nine percent said "YES," so I'm happy to see there are plenty of astute Niner fans who recognize extraordinary talent when they see it. In Mostert's case, I think it's because 49er fans are used to seeing him for the past few years in the usual role afforded undrafted running backs — a life on special teams with little chance of starting. Now all of a sudden, they are saying, "Who is this guy?"? I don't think anyone expected to see this development so quickly.
Mostert is a prime example of a player with exceptional natural talent who has dedicated the time to realize his own greatness. He has worked hard to get there. Six teams in five years!
The article and poll were written before the Niners steamrolled Cincinnati. Mostert answered our question with 13 carries for 83 yards, with a 15-yard touchdown run called back, and three receptions for 68 yards including a 39-yard score in which he ran right through two defenders. He accounted for 151 yards from scrimmage and made a hard tackle on special teams to start the game.
Mostert gets better each week and has proven he is ready to take over as the starter and lead back, and bring stability to the running back position. Mostert is in his fifth year and in his prime. It's important that the front office take note of that. His time is NOW. Make room for him.
PFF grades are used to measure a player's effectiveness. Here are the three 49ers on offense who graded out highest this week:
George Kittle: 87.3, Season Grade: 93.1
Raheem Mostert: 85.6, Season Grade: 83.2
Matt Breida: 85.4, Season Grade: 68.9
Grading Summary:
90 – 99: Elite (All-Pro quality)
80 – 89.9: High Quality (Pro Bowl quality)
70 – 79.9: Above Average (Good)
60 – 69.9: Average (League average)
50 – 59.9: Below Average (Replacement level)
49.9 and below: Poor (Bench riders)
Given the current situation with Joe Staley, it's important that the 49ers pick up a high-quality backup. Tevin Coleman is an excellent running back, but I go by the tenet that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," and the combo of Mostert and Breida with Jeff Wilson Jr. as the backup is definitely not broken. This is the same type of quality running back combination the 49ers had in 1984 with Roger Craig (the bull-like Mostert) and Wendell Tyler (the water bug like Breida). That team went 18-1 and easily won the Super Bowl. As a matter of fact, this team reminds me of that team in many ways which I'll deal with in upcoming articles starting with the defensive lines.
For now, it may be the time to make a bold move and trade Coleman for a quality tackle if one can be found. With the running backs listed above (and McKinnon in the wings), no longer does a running back problem exist on the 49ers. It may be a good idea to shore up the offensive tackle position now when we are in a good position to do so. Coming next: the Defensive Line.
49ers: 31
Steelers: 17
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