They averaged only 3. 8 yards per carry last year... This year it's up to 4. 8 yards. I think a fresher Christian McCaffrey, the addition of rookie tailback Kaelon Black and better blocking from the offensive line — and tight end Luke Farrell — are factors. McCaffrey averaged 57 snaps over his first four games last season. This season that number is 39.
Right now, Kaelon Black is pressing. He gets only a few carries per game, so he runs as fast as he possibly can, which means he runs into the backs of his blockers and doesn't let holes or lanes develop. He's rushing to impress the coaching staff so he can stay on the field. It's not coincidence that Black's best game this season was his first game. That's because the 49ers gave him 14 carries. Since then, he hasn't gotten more than 7 carries in a game. If he's healthy, he needs to split time with Christian McCaffrey this Sunday in Seattle, because the Seahawks own McCaffrey. They haven't faced Black yet.
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