San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason has been among the most surprising breakout stars through the first five weeks of the NFL season, and the latest in the line of ideal running backs in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system.
Entering the Niners’ showdown against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football, Mason is averaging 5.1 yards per carry with three touchdowns, while rushing for 536 yards with three 100-plus rushing yard performances already on his ledger.
Mason’s success comes with All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey sidelined with Achilles tendonitis, but, the former undrafted free agent is the latest in a line of elite running backs developed under Shanahan.
As Pro Football Focus points out, Mason is already developing a reputation as a back capable of breaking off explosive runs, while making defenders miss in the process.
“Jordan Mason has stepped in admirably for the injured Christian McCaffrey,” Andrew Shaver, Maurice Smith, Michael Manning, and Jason DeLoach write for PFF. “Particularly in the run game. His 15% explosive run rate ranks fifth among the 17 San Francisco running backs who have recorded at least 75 carries in a single season under Kyle Shanahan since 2017. Additionally, Mason leads those backs in missed tackles forced per carry (0.24) and is fourth in yards after contact per carry, averaging 3.2 yards.”
Against the Seahawks, Mason gets another chance in front of a national audience to show he can be the driving force of the 49ers’ offense.
Seattle enters Thursday night ranked 20th in the league in rushing defense, allowing 128 yards per game, and may have their hands full with Mason in a pivotal division game.
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