The NFL's leading rusher through two weeks resides in San Francisco. Matt Breida's 134-yard outburst against the Detroit Lions in Week 2 puts him at 184 yards for the season. That total against Detroit is the highest single-game output of any running back in the league through two weeks. What's even more impressive is that he's also leading the NFL with 8.4 yards per carry, needing just 22 attempts to reach his current total.
Now the NFL is recognizing Breida's performance by nominating him for FedEx Ground Player of the Week. The other three nominees are Phillip Lindsay of the Denver Broncos and Tevin Coleman of the Atlanta Falcons. Head HERE to vote for Breida immediately. Voting is open until Thursday at noon pacific.
Breida's big day was highlighted by a career long 66-yard touchdown run in the second half against the Lions. On the play, Pierre Garçon served as Breida's one-man convoy as he escorted the running back into the end zone with an impressive 30-yard block.
"It was just a great job by the O-Line," Breida said postgame. "They were blocking well all game. They just opened up a huge hole on that play, and I followed Pierre to the end zone. He became my fullback down the field essentially."
The 49ers second year running back has been in a timeshare with veteran Alfred Morris to open the season. Kyle Shanahan has been very impressed with Breida thus far.
"I saw him running very hard," Shanahan said. "I saw our O-Line blocking very hard. When they gave him space, he hit it with no hesitation. He did a good job when he did get into the secondary not sitting and breaking down and thinking about making too many moves."
If Breida continues to torch opposing defenses, it could force Shanahan into keeping him on the field. The 49ers face a huge test against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3.
