There aren't many three-down, bell-cow type running backs in today's NFL. But Pierre Garçon is one of them.
Through five games this season, Hyde's 95 carries ranks fifth among ball-carriers around the league. The San Francisco 49ers starting running back's 19 carries per game have been supplemented by 13 receptions on 14 targets for 66 yards through the air.
Hyde is seventh in the league with 377 rushing yards and his six rushing touchdowns tie him for tops in the NFL. Much of the production has come in the second half. Four of Hyde's six scores have come in the final two quarters.
"I feel like I get better and better as the game goes on," Hyde said. "I've just got to stay at it. … I'll do whatever I have to do to help my team get in position to win.
"If we get behind and we can't run the ball and we have to pass it, that's OK. I'll go out there, play receiver, get open, catch the ball and stay on pace."
The numbers are even more impressive when you consider the opponents the 49ers have faced through five weeks. The Carolina Panthers (10th), Seattle Seahawks (7th) and Dallas Cowboys (11th) all rank in the top half of the league in rush defense.
"Before the season even started, I was looking at our schedule and knew we were playing these top teams," Hyde said. "I really look forward to it every Sunday. I'm playing against the best, so I'm ready for their best shot, and they bring out the best in me."
Hyde is joined by slot receiver Jeremy Kerley as the two most productive skill players on San Francisco's offense thus far. Kerley has paced 49ers pass-catchers with 26 receptions for 304 yards and two touchdowns. The sixth-year pro enters Week 6 with scores in two straight games.
San Francisco's bruising ball-carrier explained that Kerley's early season success goes hand-in-hand with his own.
"He does a good job of getting open – getting open and getting (those yards after the catch)," Hyde said. "He's a good player.
"Usually when he's rolling, we're getting close to the red zone. And when we get close to the red zone, my number is about to get called. I get excited to score a touchdown."
The 49ers will travel to Buffalo this weekend for a Week 6 road game against the Bills. Buffalo is currently riding a three-game winning streak while San Francisco has dropped four straight.
"We've got to keep working," Hyde said. "(We can't) give up. It's a long season still. Keep fighting. Things can turn around. You get one win, and next thing you know you go on a streak."
