49ers running back Tevin Coleman comes through in NFC Divisional round victory
When the 49ers needed him most, Tevin Coleman delivered.
Coleman had struggled to find a rhythm at running back since producing four touchdowns in Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 27. But his standout performance Saturday helped the 49ers beat the Minnesota Vikings 27-10 in the NFC Divisional playoffs at Levi’s Stadium.
Coleman rushed for a team-high 101 yards on 22 carries and had touchdown runs of 1 and 2 yards. In his last five games, Coleman had only 22 carries for 96 yards and no touchdowns.
“He ran awesome today,” 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne said of Coleman. “He was in his groove. Today was his day.”
The first-round bye served Coleman and his team well, allowing them to get fully healthy.
“It was huge,” 49ers tackle Mike McGlinchey said. “The bye week helped us as a team. I don’t think teams like to give (coach) Kyle Shanahan two weeks to prepare.”
Coleman was brought in during the offseason by Shanahan, who was Coleman’s offensive coordinator with the Atlanta Falcons. Shanahan has experience with using Coleman in the playoffs including in Super Bowl 51 when he had 35 total yards and a 6-yard receiving touchdown against the Patriots.
Prior to Saturday’s game, Coleman had five postseason appearances, which included rushing for 234 yards on 53 carries and 11 catches for 105 yards.
“We have been excited about Tevin all year,” Shanahan said. “We’re happy for him.”
The 49ers rushing attack had one of their most productive games of the season. As a team, they rushed 47 times for 187 yards with 143 in the first three quarters — a number the Vikings hadn’t given up all season. On the flip side, the Vikings rushed for 21 yards on 10 carries.
“Coming into this game, we thought the team that ran the ball 30 times would win,” Shanahan said. “We truly looked at (running the ball 30 times) as a team goal.”
49ers tight end George Kittle finished the game with only three catches for 16 yards. The real takeaway in the game wasn’t the passing game though. It was the key contributions he and the 49ers’ offensive line made in the run game, allowing the running backs to have big days.
“It’s the best,” McGlinchey said on the offensive line’s dominant performance. “Running the ball kept us in control of the game.”
Coleman appreciated what his offensive line did for him.
“Those guys did very well,” Coleman said. “It’s an amazing feeling (to advance to the NFC Championship game). I’m glad to be with this team.
This story was originally published January 11, 2020 at 6:09 PM.