December 9th 2024.
The 49ers have always been known for their strong running game, but it wasn't until Christian McCaffrey joined the team in 2022 that they truly became a force to be reckoned with. Before that, under the guidance of coach Kyle Shanahan, the team relied on a platoon of running backs to carry the load. Matt Breida, Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., Tevin Coleman, and others all took turns on the field, with each player getting carries based on their overall health, the down and distance of the play, and who had the "hot hand" at the time.
However, with both McCaffrey and Jordan Mason sidelined due to injuries, the 49ers were forced to turn to rookie Isaac Guerendo and a little bit of Patrick Taylor Jr. in their game against the Chicago Bears. And to everyone's surprise, it turned out to be one of the highlights of the game, as the 49ers dominated with a 38-13 win at Levi's Stadium.
For Guerendo, it was not only his first start in the NFL, but only the second start of his entire career since his college days at Wisconsin. In fact, it wasn't until his transfer to Louisville last season that he even got a chance to start a game at running back. "It's a crazy stat," commented 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
But despite the pressure of stepping in as the lead back, Guerendo remained calm and focused thanks to the preparation and guidance of running back coach Bobby Turner. "The amount of preparation that Coach T gives us allows me to stay calm in a situation like that," Guerendo said. "It's definitely a crazy stat - only my second start in college and the NFL - but it felt good to get the win. I'm happy with that."
Guerendo finished the game with 78 yards on 15 carries and two touchdown runs of 1 and 4 yards. He also added two catches for 50 yards from quarterback Brock Purdy in the first half, both of which ended in touchdowns as the 49ers took a commanding 24-0 lead. Taylor also made a contribution with 25 yards on seven carries and a 3-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, helping the 49ers rush for a total of 131 yards and three touchdowns.
The 49ers' success in the red zone was also a major factor in their victory, as they scored on five out of six attempts - a much-needed improvement for an offense that has struggled in that area all season. Unfortunately, Guerendo had to leave the game in the fourth quarter due to a foot injury, but Shanahan remains hopeful that it won't be too serious. "I thought Isaac looked real good today," he said. "Ran hard, affected the game in the pass game, and hopefully we get some good news on his injury."
Despite the nerves that come with making his first start, Guerendo was able to make a strong impact on the field. On the 49ers' second play from scrimmage, he was stopped for no gain, but on the very next play, he broke free for a 23-yard gain, setting up a 7-yard touchdown pass from Purdy to Jauan Jennings. And on the team's second scoring drive, Guerendo made a big 27-yard catch to set up his own 1-yard touchdown run.
At 6-foot, 221 pounds, Guerendo possesses both sprinter's speed and power, making him a valuable asset in the 49ers' zone scheme runs. He is also known for his humility, most likely due to the fact that he played a supporting role at Wisconsin behind star running back Jonathan Taylor and was the second-string back at Louisville.
When asked about his performance, Guerendo humbly replied, "I've got to apologize to my O-line. I felt like I left some yards out there." And despite his already impressive debut, he believes he still has more to offer. "The exciting part is I think my best ball is still out there," he said. "With limited time in college, I think it's just exciting to me. I feel like I have more, I feel like I can offer more."
In high school, Guerendo was not only a standout on the football field, but also on the track as a sprinter and a wide receiver. And his speed and receiving abilities were on full display in his first start with the 49ers, earning the trust of his teammates and coaches. "My first question when he was going to start - how well can he catch? Because that's a big thing in our offense," said tight end George Kittle. "He proved that today. That catch in the sun, you can't see anything in that corner, and he caught it. Brock gave him an opportunity on that. All I've preached to Isaac - run really, really fast when you get the football and you'll get a lot of yards."
Juszczyk also praised Guerendo for his intelligence and quick learning abilities. "He's just had good, steady growth," he said. "He's a really smart guy. He knows when he makes a mistake and I think that's a really good thing, especially for rookies, when you make a mistake and you're really unaware of it."
Meanwhile, Taylor, who was initially on the 53-man roster, then on the practice squad, and then called back up after McCaffrey and Mason's injuries, was happy to contribute to the team's success. "We miss Christian, but we still feel we've got some dogs in that running back room and we prepare to be ready when our number is called," he said.
Taylor's touchdown was his first since 2021 when he played for the Green Bay Packers. "It's been a minute, so it felt great," he said. "It was extremely fun to watch Isaac do his thing, with him being able to come on in the pass game and in the run game and get those two touchdowns."
Overall, the 49ers' running game was a major factor in their dominant win over the Bears, and with Guerendo's potential still untapped, there is much to look forward to in the future.
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