Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
A FAST Answer from 49ers RB Raheem Mostert
Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
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
- Gary Mialocq
-
Written by:
Native of SF. Attended Washington HIgh, CCSF and SF State University. Investor & Startup Business Consultant, Former Juvenile Detention Counselor, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Self-employment Specialist, Real Estate Investor, Genealogist. Senior Pro Golfer.
Poll
- Do You Agree that MOSTERT/BREIDA should be the starting combo at RB for the 49ers moving forward?
Yes
No
- 416 votes
The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
More San Francisco 49ers News
49ers ecstatic about fast 3-0 start but know they can improve
There was a common theme from the San Francisco 49ers when reporters asked about the team's impressive 3-0 start to the season. The locker room is ecstatic about the fast start but also knows they aren't where they want to be just yet.
Last season, the 49ers lost four of their first seven games. The team was 1-2 after three games. So, remaining undefeated through Week 3 this season means a lot.
"That's the goal, and real happy to be 3-0 right now," head coach Kyle Shanahan said. "It's really cool to do it after a Thursday night game. There's not many times in the NFL where you get to enjoy a win more than just that night, so it's always cool when you win on Thursdays.
"I told the guys if they want to win and have a weekend off, we got to earn it, and
Several former 49ers named among 173 nominees for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024
The Pro Football Hall of Fame named the 173 nominees for its Class of 2024. Several former San Francisco 49ers players are on the list, as Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area pointed out.
Pro Football Hall of Fame nominees include ex-49ers Jeff Garcia, Ricky Watters, Charlie Garner, Brian Westbrook, Anquan Boldin, Justin Smith, Dana Stubblefield, Ted Washington, NaVorro Bowman, Takeo Spikes, Patrick Willis, Lee Woodall, Julian Peterson, Merton Hanks, Tim McDonald.— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 19,
Why 49ers Nick Bosa appears "sluggish" through two games
After missing this year's OTA's and Training Camp in a hold out effort for a new contract, San Francisco 49ers All-Pro Defensive End Nick Bosa finally became the highest paid defensive player in NFL history, just days before the team's week one matchup against the Pittsburg Steelers. Bosa signed a five-year $170 million extension with the team.
It's easy to say Bosa's slow start in that week one matchup was due to his holdout and lack of football activity with the team this offseason. However, to say that sluggishness carried over into their week two matchup against their division rival Los Angeles Rams isn't entirely true. Far too often players (especially defensive players) are critiqued on stats alone. While stats help players earn end of the year accolades, they don't
"They are basically fielding the NFL All-Pro team": Where the 49ers stand in Week 3 power rankings
The San Francisco 49ers have now won 12 consecutive regular-season games, just three games shy of tying the 15-game record set between the 1989 and 1990 seasons. Sunday's 30-23 win against the Los Angeles Rams may not have been the prettiest of victories, but Kyle Shanahan's squad improved to 2-0 on the season and sit alone atop the NFC West.
The 49ers managed to beat their division rival despite quarterback Brock Purdy having arguably his most unimpressive game as a starter. He finished the game 17-of-25 for 206 yards and a passer rating of 93.1, a new regular-season career-low as a starter.
Meanwhile, running back Christian McCaffrey leads the NFL with 268 rushing yards and ranks second only to wide receiver Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings in
