Frank Gore News: Pro Sports Daily

49ers, Gore coming up short when they don't go long

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November 5

San Francisco Chronicle

"Nearing the midpoint of the season, he is in the middle of the pack in yards gained, with 364 on 65 carries for a per-carry average of 5.6 yards, third-best in the NFL and the highest figure of Gore's career. Yet, that includes three carries for 223 yards. On Gore's other 62 carries, he has picked up 141 yards, for an average of 2.27 yards per carry. When the subject of his unusual season was broached Wednesday, Gore said, "Yeah, man, I know. I try to take one play at a time, knowing when the time comes, I'm going to take advantage of it." Gore will take that approach into Sunday's game at Candlestick against the Tennessee Titans, a team ranked 31st in the league in total defense, 18th ..."

49ers' Gore seeks return to form

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October 30

Indianapolis Star

"Frank Gore set out to be the best running back in the NFL this season, but it's been a roller-coaster ride in San Francisco. After an ineffective opener, he questioned if he was seeing and hitting the holes properly. Then in Week 2, he looked unstoppable with 207 yards rushing against Seattle. His 79- and 80-yard runs for touchdowns were instant highlights. One series into his third game at Minnesota, he sprained his right foot and ankle. He missed two games, then last week was ineffective at Houston with just 32 yards on 13 carries. "I know right now things aren't going right for me, but it will pick up for me," he said in a Wednesday conference call. The fifth-year pro is the only back ..."

Offense gets boost coming out of bye

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October 22

San Francisco Chronicle

"Frank Gore is back, for one, and that's always good news for the 49ers, especially for an offense gone stodgy in his absence and ranked 29th in the league overall. Coach Mike Singletary shuffled the offensive line during the bye week in an attempt to keep the hits from coming to quarterback Shaun Hill, who has been sacked 16 times in five games. Tony Pashos now has right tackle to himself, while Chilo Rachal and Adam Snyder will rotate at right guard. "All 11 need to play well," Pashos said. "It's across the board. If any group doesn't hold up their end, it's not going to look good." For the first time this season, Singletary called out Hill for his poor play in the Atlanta game. While ..."

49ers hope to see Gore, Crabtree on field

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October 14

San Jose Mercury News

"While most 49ers will get away during their bye week, running back Frank Gore plans on a stay-cation at the team's facility. He won't be alone: He has wide receiver Michael Crabtree to break in. "Me and Crabtree are going to get it done," Gore said Tuesday. The 49ers hope to have Gore (ankle) and the newly signed Crabtree back when their season resumes Oct. 25 at Houston. That's good, because the 49ers could use the help — from Gore, from Crabtree, from anywhere. They rank 29th in the league in total yards, 31st in first downs per game and 27th in third-down efficiency. The offense was so horrid Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons that coach Mike Singletary indicated changes are in store ..."

Gore to be sidelined three weeks

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September 30

San Jose Mercury News

"If the 49ers are going to rebound from their tough final-seconds defeat in Minnesota, they're going to have to do it without running back Frank Gore. Gore will miss at least three weeks after MRI results revealed Monday that he suffered a right-ankle strain and a right-foot sprain on the team's first play from scrimmage Sunday against the Vikings. The 49ers announced Gore's status via an e-mail sent Monday night and did not make any team officials available for comment. Earlier Monday, coach Mike Singletary said at his weekly press conference that the injury was unrelated to the ankle sprain Gore suffered against Seattle two weeks ago and noted, "It is not believed to be serious.'' If the ..."

Gore might miss 2 games

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September 29

San Francisco Chronicle

"The 49ers will be without Frank Gore for the next two games as a result of two separate injuries to his right ankle and foot incurred in Sunday's dramatic, 27-24 loss at Minnesota. Gore's status was determined early Monday night when an MRI scan taken at Stanford Hospital earlier in the day revealed a strain to the running back's right ankle and a sprain to the hind area of the same foot, near the heel. Both injuries are to the rear of his foot. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. A sprain indicates damage to a ligament. Once the MRI was examined, the 49ers' medical staff determined it was a three-week injury, meaning Gore will miss Sunday's game against St. Louis and the Oct. 11 ..."

How will they fare without Gore?

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September 29

Sacramento Bee

"Every time he's been asked about Michael Crabtree in recent months, Mike Singletary has responded that his team doesn't concern itself with individual absences. The 49ers push ahead whether specific players are on board or not. But what happens when the absentee is the very player around which the 49ers have built their offense? That was the scenario Monday after Frank Gore, described last month as the "bell cow" of the San Francisco attack, was diagnosed with a right ankle strain and a right hind foot sprain. He is expected to miss the next three weeks, which would cause him to miss two games. The 49ers have a bye Oct. 18. Gore suffered the injury after his first carry in Sunday's 27-24 ..."

Gore to be sidelined three weeks

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September 29

San Jose Mercury News

"If the 49ers are going to rebound from their tough final-seconds defeat in Minnesota, they're going to have to do it without running back Frank Gore. Gore will miss at least three weeks after MRI results revealed Monday that he suffered a right-ankle strain and a right-foot sprain on the team's first play from scrimmage Sunday against the Vikings. The 49ers announced Gore's status via an e-mail sent Monday night and did not make any team officials available for comment. Earlier Monday, coach Mike Singletary said at his weekly press conference that the injury was unrelated to the ankle sprain Gore suffered against Seattle two weeks ago and noted, "It is not believed to be serious.'' If the ..."

No Gore, bad start, but Hill and 49ers almost get it done

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September 28

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Talk about a rough way to start a game. Shaun Hill, the former Vikings No. 3 quarterback now starting for the 49ers, was four seconds into Sunday's return to the Metrodome when he was stripped of the ball on a sack by right defensive end Jared Allen. San Francisco left tackle Joe Staley, the man Allen beat, fell on the ball to maintain possession. On the next play, the 49ers kept a running back in to help block Allen. But that was when Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards hurried Hill, knocking him to the turf following a hurried incompletion as the crowd roared. Welcome home, Shaun. "The Dome is loud," Hill said. "We knew that coming in. At times, it was extremely loud." After the first of ..."

49ers' Gore says he'll play against the Vikings

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September 26

San Jose Mercury News

"Mike Singletary saw no need to put Frank Gore's status into the NFL's official injury report lingo. Probable? Questionable? Doubtful? "I would say limited or day-to-day, or however that is," the 49ers coach said. "All that I know is that he will play." Gore, who sprained an ankle late in last week's game, was limited at 49ers practice for the third consecutive day Friday. But, like his coach, Gore was confident that he will be ready to face the Vikings on Sunday in Minnesota. Approached about an hour before hopping on the team flight, Gore said, "I'll be all right" and flashed a thumbs-up sign. He left it at that. For the record, a team spokesman later listed him as "probable" on the ..."

Williams Wall stands in Gore's way

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September 25

San Francisco Chronicle

"It's called the Williams Wall, and for good reason. It's made not of brick and mortar but two very large purple-clad bodies totaling about 700 pounds of move-me-if-you-can, man. Pat Williams is the nose tackle, lining his conservatively listed 317 pounds over the center. Kevin Williams, 311 pounds or so, is what is called an under-shifted tackle, lining up in the gap between center and either guard to create a stout interior front for the Vikes. (Pat and Kevin are not related.) If Frank Gore is going to have a shot at running like he did a week ago against Seattle, center Eric Heitmann, left guard David Baas and right guard Chilo Rachal are going to have to be at their brawny best as they ..."

Gore says he's feeling good, will be ready for Vikings

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September 24

San Jose Mercury News

"Frank Gore, nursing a sprained right ankle, practiced Wednesday on a limited basis. The 49ers are confident he will be ready to face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday but are easing up on his workload as a precaution. "I'm feeling pretty good," Gore said. Gore ran for 207 yards against the Seattle Seahawks last week but turned an ankle in the fourth quarter. He plans on being fully ready for his showdown against Vikings' running back Adrian Peterson, who leads the NFC with 272 rushing yards. Gore is second with 237 rushing yards. "I'm going out there to be the best player to help my team win. I'm not worrying about any Adrian Peterson," he said. "I'm just going out there and do what I do ..."

Niners' RB Gore looks ahead to Vikings game

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September 22

San Francisco Chronicle

"A day after he picked up a sore ankle as a result of rushing 16 times for 207 yards, Frank Gore said he's feeling fine and expects to practice Wednesday. "I feel pretty good," he said. "I came in, got my work in. I feel all right." Gore said he expects a tough game Sunday in Minnesota, against the Vikings' fifth-ranked defense featuring twin sumo wrestlers at tackle in Pat and Kevin Williams (no relation) and relentless defensive end Jared Allen. "As long as we execute and keep the ball, we should be fine," Gore said. " I'm going to go out there and try to be the best guy on the field." Getting right tackle right: Mike Singletary said he expects to rotate Adam Snyder and Tony Pashos at ..."

49ers' vow to run pays off well for Gore

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September 21

San Francisco Chronicle

columnist Gwen Knapp

"An unhappy Frank Gore places phone calls late at night after a game, checking with his coaches to discuss what went wrong. A happy Frank Gore runs and runs and runs. Even in street clothes Sunday, at a news conference after getting X-rays on a sprained right ankle, he kept running. "I feel good. I feel good," he said, smiling and jogging in place behind a podium to banish any suggestion that he might not be able to play Sunday in Minnesota. Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye heard a very different running back on the phone a week ago, waking him at 2 a.m. Gore couldn't get over the feeling of repeatedly being driven backward by the Arizona Cardinals in the season opener, of slamming his ..."

Late-night call leads to Frank Gore rushing for 207 yards

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September 21

Seattle Times

"It was around 2 a.m. on the Sunday night after the 49ers' season-opening win over Arizona when the telephone at offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye's home rang, waking him up. Running back Frank Gore was on the other end, frustrated and needing to talk after carrying 22 times for just 30 yards. Raye wasn't surprised that Gore called. He said he'd had calls in the middle of the night from other great running backs he has coached, including Earl Campbell, Eric Dickerson and Curtis Martin. "All the great running backs ... have so much pride in their performance," Raye said Sunday, after the 49ers' 23-10 win over Seattle. "Basically the call was more for reassurance that we're going in the right ..."

It's shades of 2006 for Gore

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September 21

Sacramento Bee

columnist Matthew Barrows

"Frank Gore dedicated his offseason to recapturing his 2006 form. So when his Week 1 statistics ended up resembling one of 2007's frustrating efforts, Gore became worried, picked up a phone and dialed his offensive coordinator. It didn't matter that it was 2 a.m. and that Jimmy Raye, 63, was asleep. "He was feeling bad," Raye said Sunday. "He wanted to know if he was missing some holes. Like most great runners do, he felt bad that he didn't have the kind of opening-day performance I think that he had anticipated, and so he just wanted someone to hug, rub and lie to him." Raye gave his running back the nurturing he needed. But he didn't lie. In fact, you could argue that Raye actually may ..."

Hill's top priority for 49ers? Hand off to Gore

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August 26

San Jose Mercury News

"A day after Shaun Hill wrapped up the starting spot, offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye reminded everyone what the 49ers quarterback job is all about. The QB is the sidekick. Frank Gore is the leading man. "This deal is 21," Raye said Tuesday, referring to the running back by his uniform number. "The lead dog in this race was never going to be the quarterback." Gore is the first 49ers running back to rush for at least 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. He has 3,833 rushing yards during that time, trailing only LaDainian Tomlinson's 4,399 for the San Diego Chargers. Gore's 4.72 yards per carry since 2006 is the highest of any running back with at least 700 carries. So, welcome to the ..."

Gore shows attitude in proving blocking skills

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August 19

San Francisco Chronicle

"Somebody get a bucket of water - Frank Gore is on fire! Never in his five years with the 49ers has Gore looked more fired-up for a drill than he was Tuesday morning attacking the Raiders' linebackers in blitz pickup. His enthusiasm was that of a zealot throwing himself into a frenzy of physicality. So committed to executing the drill to perfection was Gore that running backs coach Tom Rathman had to pull him out of his last rotation. "He showed everybody enough of what he could do," Rathman said. "We've got a certain philosophy of pass blocking and that's to dominate on each snap." Gore had a simple explanation for his exemplary work in the drill: "I just love what I'm doing," he said. ..."

Gore fired up, but Singletary plays it cool

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August 19

Contra Costa Times

"On a day that Raiders coach Tom Cable discussed allegations that he punched an assistant coach, things were much more peaceful on the practice field. The Raiders and 49ers made it through two spirited practices as if they were the best of buds. This was a significant contrast from a year ago when repeated skirmishes broke out between the Bay Area teams. Before taking the practice field Tuesday, coach Mike Singletary made it clear that fighting would not be tolerated. "We didn't come here to fight. We've got too much work to do," he said. "We're not good enough for that." Running back Frank Gore tested the limits of competitive fire during a one-one-one blocking drill against Raiders ..."

In mind and body, Gore is fresh

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August 4

San Francisco Chronicle

"Nothing is more precious to a running back than fresh legs. Frank Gore has fresh legs. Ergo, the 49ers should put Gore on ice until the regular season opener Sept. 13 at Arizona so those legs stay fresh. It's not as though he's a free agent scrapping to make the team. Make sense? Not to Gore, it doesn't. "I feel the more work, the more confident I get with my line, the offense," he said after a Monday morning practice in which he was knocked around a bit by linebackers Scott McKillop and Takeo Spikes. "I think my coaches, they know how much work I should get. Right now, when they want me to go, I go hard. It's football, man. It's physical. You've got to get your mind ready for it." Coach ..."

Gore eager to try new approach

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June 11

San Francisco Chronicle

"Frank Gore's goal - "to be the best player on the field" - might be more attainable under Jimmy Raye's offense than it was under Mike Martz's. The 49ers' running back implied as much Wednesday after practice. "With Martz, we were more finesse, throw the ball deep, get outside," Gore said. "This is more running with my shoulders squared up, a lot of power, a lot of downhill plays." He's delighted to be reunited with his old running mate, fullback Moran Norris, who spent two years with the 49ers before moving to the Lions last year. "I love it," Gore said. "As a team, we're trying to be physical, and that's what he is.""

Reunited and it feels so good for 49ers' Gore and Norris

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June 6

Contra Costa Times

columnist Cam Inman

"RUNNING BACK Frank Gore and fullback Moran Norris comprise the 49ers' most important tandem for this coming season. Not quarterbacks Shaun Hill and Alex Smith. Not new wide receiver Michael Crabtree and whoever starts at quarterback. Not linebackers Patrick Willis and Manny Lawson. Not coach Mike Singletary and the microphone. Because Gore's hard-nosed running will embody the 49ers' tougher approach, he personally requested that Norris return from a one-year hiatus and serve as his lead blocker. "I love it," Gore said of his reunion with Norris, a nine-year veteran who spent last year with the winless Detroit Lions. "We came up together (with the 49ers in 2006-07). We were both on the ..."

49ers would like to keep Gore fresh; he just wants the football

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May 20

San Jose Mercury News

"After selecting a running back in the third round, the 49ers indicated they would like to ease up on Frank Gore's workload. Gore, however, is in no hurry to share. "I feel like the more I'm in the game, the more I touch the ball, the better player I am," he said Tuesday. Gore spoke shortly after the 49ers' second day of organized team activities. He said any talk of a two-back system with rookie Glen Coffee was news to him. "I don't think we'll be rotating," he said. Gore was standing in the precise spot outside the locker room where, about 24 hours earlier, Coach Mike Singletary talked about his desire to keep his running back fresh. Gore has had three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons but ..."

Gore gets milestone in front of friend Portis

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December 29

Contra Costa Times

"Frank Gore was happy to reach a rushing milestone. Especially, he said, "in front of my boy." He was referring to Clinton Portis. The two have a friendly rivalry dating back to their days as University of Miami teammates. Portis had an up-close view Sunday as Gore became the first running back in 49ers history to reach 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. After sitting out the two previous games because of an ankle injury, Gore gutted his way to 58 yards on 11 carries against the Washington Redskins. He needed 22 yards to get the milestone. "I'm happy. Everybody wanted me to do it today," Gore said. "My O-line, they wanted it. All of my teammates wanted it." Gore was still hobbling. ..."

49ers Gore plans to practice, wants to play Sunday

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December 23

San Jose Mercury News

"Frank Gore, needing 22 yards to become the first 49er to rush for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons, said Monday that he plans to practice this week in hopes of playing in Sunday's season finale against Washington. But the milestone isn't Gore's only motivation. Sunday's game also is an opportunity to renew a friendly rivalry with Redskins running back Clinton Portis, Gore's former teammate at the University of Miami. "We talk to each other during the season,'' said Gore, who has missed the past two games because of an ankle injury. "We're so competitive. We always want to out-rush each other. He got me this year, but I'm going to try to come out this Sunday and out-perform him. If ..."

Gore will be game- time decision

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December 19

San Francisco Chronicle

"For the second week in a row, the 49ers will make running back Frank Gore's availability a game-time decision - this week before Sunday's contest in St. Louis. The 49ers' leading rusher sprained his ankle against the Jets and did not play in Miami. He did not practice Thursday and continued to receive treatment. "It's coming along," Gore said. "It feels a whole lot better." Gore said doctors told him he would not be risking further injury by playing. He put his chances of playing in St. Louis at 50-50. "Same thing - it'll be game time," coach Mike Singletary said. "Hopefully, he can go." Singletary said the artificial surface of the Edward Jones Dome will factor into his decision. The ..."

Report: Gore won't even test ankle

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December 14

Sacramento Bee

"Adam Schefter of NFL.com spoke to a 49ers official last night who told him that Gore won't play today against the Dolphins. That's not surprising given the fact they elevated a running back, Thomas Clayton, from the practice squad yesterday. Gore had said that he would test his sprained right ankle before the game. Now it appears as if he won't do that. The scenario is remeniscent of last week when Nate Clements, who was, like Gore, listed as questionable, did not try to play and was ruled out early on Sunday."

Ankle injury might keep Gore out of 49ers' game against Dolphins

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December 11

San Jose Mercury News

"Frank Gore has yet to officially be ruled out this week. But unofficially, it looks bleak. Coach Mike Singletary acknowledged Wednesday that DeShaun Foster would "get most of the carries this week, or all of them" when the 49ers play the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. He is still holding out hope that Gore can suit up. Singletary called it a "wait-and-see situation." But the sprained left ankle the running back suffered against the New York Jets last weekend kept him out of practice Wednesday. Gore, of course, is the center of the 49ers universe on offense. He has 1,345 yards from scrimmage this season — 103.5 yards per game. That accounts for 33.4 percent of the team's offense, a total that ..."

49ers' Gore leaves game with painful ankle

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December 8

San Jose Mercury News

"Frank Gore needs 22 rushing yards to become the first 49ers player with 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. Whether he will be healthy enough to get there next week is in anybody's guess. The running back twisted an ankle early in the second half and needed help off the field. A cart whisked him to the locker room for X-rays, which Gore said did not reveal a fracture. It appears Gore will be questionable for next week's game against the Miami Dolphins. "We'll just take it day by day,'' the running back said. The injury did not look good. Gore conceded that he was "scared" because of pain he felt in his ankle after a 5-yard gain on the second play after halftime. He grimaced as the ..."

Talents of Frank Gore wasted on 49ers

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December 4

San Francisco Chronicle

columnist Gwen Knapp

"Frank Gore shouldn't be where he is. He shouldn't be stuck in ninth place among NFL rushers. He shouldn't be part of a franchise that changes offensive coordinators every year, doesn't know who will be its head coach next season and hasn't been a winner in his entire four years as a pro. Gore is a special player, a running back who can turn a hint of open space into a ferocious play. Even when he carries the ball for short gains, he sends a message to the defense. After the 49ers' win over Buffalo on Sunday, teammate Michael Robinson chatted with some of the Bills and heard praise for Gore, even though Gore finished with only 66 rushing yards. "Number 51, the linebacker, Paul Posluszny, ..."

49ers' Gore held to 26 yards in 14 carries

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November 24

San Jose Mercury News

"While the 49ers struggled to contain Dallas' star receiver, the Cowboys had no such problems with the 49ers' star running back. Frank Gore managed just 26 yards in 14 carries. He had one catch for 6 yards. Dallas apparently had a simple priority on defense: "Stopping Frank Gore,'' linebacker Zach Thomas said. "He's a beast and he's running really well this year. To hold him to 1.9 yards per carry, I think we did a great job." Gore entered with 1,159 yards from scrimmage. That represented 36.7 percent of his team's offense, the highest percentage among NFC running backs. But Sunday, his longest run was 7 yards, with 7:53 to play. Like the rest of the offense, Gore had no luck on a pair of ..."

49ers' Gore says he'll be ready

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November 16

Contra Costa Times

"Frank Gore reiterated Friday that he will be ready to face the St. Louis Rams. It might take plenty of ice and a few more massages, but he'll be ready. The 49ers running back returned to practice and looked just fine to coach Mike Singletary. Gore was also smiling again a day after confusion over his diagnosis raised question about his status Sunday's game at Candlestick Park. "I'm happy," Gore said. "I'm feeling normal." Early on Thursday, a gloomy Gore said he had a concussion. But by the afternoon, Gore and the 49ers agreed that it was actually a neck strain. The injury improved overnight and Gore was listed as probable for the Rams game. He said ice and massage helped relieve the pain, ..."

49ers’ Gore is ready to face Rams

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November 15

San Jose Mercury News

"Frank Gore reiterated Friday that he will be ready to face the St. Louis Rams. It might take plenty of ice and a few more massages, but he'll be ready. The 49ers running back returned to practice and looked just fine to Coach Mike Singletary. Gore was also smiling again a day after confusion over his diagnosis raised questions about his status for Sunday's game at Candlestick Park. "I'm happy,'' Gore said. "I'm feeling normal." Early on Thursday, a gloomy Gore said he had a concussion. But by the afternoon, Gore and the 49ers agreed that it was actually a neck strain. The injury improved overnight, and Gore was listed as probable for the Rams game. He said ice and massage helped relieve ..."

Gore says he's ready to go against the Rams

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November 14

San Francisco Chronicle

"After earlier in the day saying he had a concussion and a headache from Monday night's game in Arizona, Frank Gore recanted late Thursday afternoon and said he feels fine and will be ready for Sunday's game against the Rams at Candlestick Park. "I'll be all right," said Gore, who has not practiced all week but expects to work today. "I think I jammed it (his neck). I was out of it for a while. I'll be fine." Gore, who last sustained a concussion in a 2006 game against Detroit, was brought to the pressroom at the team's Santa Clara facility by members of the team's public relations department to corroborate coach Mike Singletary's assertion that the running back does not have a concussion. ..."

49ers running back Gore gives coach vote of confidence

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October 16

San Jose Mercury News

"With each passing week, the Bay Area turns up the dial on Mike Nolan's hot seat. On Wednesday, it was New York's turn. Reporters in the Big Apple asked Frank Gore what it's like to play for a coach with such uncertain job status. The 49ers' franchise player responded with a strong vote of confidence. "Coach Nolan is a great head coach and a great guy and I like him a whole lot,'' the running back said. Nolan is 18-36 since arriving in 2005, and the team's erratic play during a three-game losing streak has led to increasing questions about his employment. Gore insisted he hasn't heard any such talk and remains a fan both personally and professionally. "I talk to him about more than ..."

49ers ignore Gore when they need him most

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October 13

Sacramento Bee

columnist Ailene Voisin

"Frank Gore is not that easy to overlook. This isn't the same Gore who wins peace prizes and quietly runs around trying to save our planet. The 49ers' Gore runs through people. And around people. And sometimes right past people. At 5-foot-9 and 215 pounds, with a thick neck and wide, compact frame, his rushing style is noisy and muscular, and effective enough to command attention around the NFL. But early in the fourth quarter Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles? With the 49ers leading 26-17 and presumably intent on running clock and maintaining momentum? Gore? Earth to Mike Martz, to Mike Nolan. The guy is really good. Good, but forgotten. Through the first three quarters of Sunday's ..."

Gore nearly as handy with hands

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October 7

San Francisco Chronicle

"For a running back, Frank Gore makes a pretty good wide receiver. When he caught a 16-yard touchdown pass from J.T. O'Sullivan in the first quarter against New England, Gore said it was the first time in his career he had been the No. 1 option on a pass play. Gore split wide left and ran a post route, with strong safety Rodney Harrison in close coverage. Gore's route was crisp, the pass was spot-on and the 49ers had a touchdown. "You only have to tell me once," Gore said of his role on the play. "I ran the route perfect and J.T. threw a perfect pass. I like doing that sort of stuff. Looked sweet, didn't it?" Gore was not asked to catch the ball much in his college days at Miami but he ..."

49ers' Gore held to 78 yards rushing and receiving

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October 6

San Jose Mercury News

"Bill Belichick said he was worried. "Look, this is a good offensive football team,'' the New England Patriots coach said Sunday. "We just tried to minimize the damage." They minimized things, all right. Frank Gore, the 49ers' best offensive threat, managed just 78 combined rushing and receiving yards. His 54 rushing yards marked his lowest total of the season and his lowest since posting 32 in Week 11 last season. Still, at least Gore managed something. Tight end Vernon Davis had zero catches (and just one ball thrown his way), and no 49ers receiver cracked 50 yards in receptions. "We just went out today flat. We were flat as a team,'' Gore said. "We just have to go out there and stick ..."

Gore ready for match of wits

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October 3

San Francisco Chronicle

"Playing in Mike Martz's offense and leading the league in yards from scrimmage has running back Frank Gore in a fine mood these days. It doesn't take much to make him happy. Talking about facing the New England Patriots on Sunday and their "genius" of a coach in Bill Belichick, Gore said. "We have a genius, too, in Martz. I love his offense. I just got to stay mentally in the game and take care of the little things. Martz is a great coordinator." Through four games, Gore has 369 yards rushing and 156 yards receiving for a league-best 525 yards, 31 more than Chicago's rookie runner, Matt Forte. Gore is averaging a little more than 10 yards per reception, with a long of 24 coming in the New ..."

Gore is taking new approach to the game

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September 23

Sacramento Bee

"Frank Gore set a franchise record in 2006 with 1,695 rushing yards, but the 49ers tailback says he's more at peace this season. "I think I'm more experienced, more comfortable," Gore said Monday, a day after rushing for 130 yards in a 31-13 win over Detroit. "I just let the game come to me." Through three games, Gore leads his team in both rushing yards (287) and receptions (13). He also leads the NFL with 412 yards from scrimmage, three more than Chicago rookie running back Matt Forte. Gore will face his former high school classmate, Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, in New Orleans. He said their former Coral Gables (Fla.) High School coach will attend Sunday's game. Et cetera - The New ..."

49ers' Gore wants to win NFL rushing title

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September 23

San Jose Mercury News

"Frank Gore moved into seventh place on the 49ers' all-time rushing list over the weekend. That's nice, he said. But hold the champagne. "I want to be No. 1, you know?'' Gore said. "That would be great." Anything seemed possible to the running back Monday, a day after another productive game under offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Gore rushed for 130 yards and a touchdown and caught four passes for 32 yards. That helped the 49ers beat the Detroit Lions 31-13 and top 30 points and 300 yards for a second consecutive game. "It just seems so easy,'' Gore said. A year ago, it seemed so hard. Gore fell woefully short after publicly declaring his goal was to break Eric Dickerson's single-season ..."

Gore takes pride in his blocking

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September 21

San Francisco Chronicle

"On 3rd-and-7 from their own 23-yard line, the 49ers needed to make a first down in overtime to keep from turning the ball over to the Seahawks last week. The play call was a downfield pass to Isaac Bruce. Frank Gore looked at the Seattle defensive alignment and thought the 49ers were in trouble. The running back was lined up on the right side, where it looked like a safety might blitz. He also saw a linebacker poised to rush on the other side. "It was a crazy look," Gore said. "If they both came, they would have got us. I checked right and (the safety) dropped back. So I went to the left and got the linebacker." To say he "got" the linebacker hardly does his maneuver justice. Gore had to ..."

49ers Notes: Gore can't wait to bust loose

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September 16

Sacramento Bee

"Frank Gore may have been overshadowed by the 49ers' passing attack Sunday, but the running back isn't complaining. He knows all too well what it's like when there's no passing attack at all. "Now teams can see that we can make plays and go downfield," Gore said Monday. "And I can go crazy again." The last time Gore went crazy was 2006, when defenses had to account not only for him but for wide receiver Antonio Bryant and offensive coordinator Norv Turner's passing attack. Gore rushed for 1,695 yards that season and made his first Pro Bowl. Last year, however, opponents put eight and sometimes nine defenders on the line of scrimmage to bottle up Gore. And why wouldn't they? The 49ers' best ..."

49ers aim to get Gore involved

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September 14

Sacramento Bee

"In San Francisco, offensive coordinators come and go and the receiving corps gets reshuffled every season. But for the Seattle defense, the focus never changes. "Frank (Gore) is the key to the whole thing," linebacker Julian Peterson said last week. "Frank is one of the top backs in the whole league. … We have got to make sure we put hats on the ball and make sure he doesn't get any explosive plays." Mike Martz won't argue with Peterson about Gore's importance. The 49ers' offensive coordinator said Thursday he wasn't concerned that wide receiver Isaac Bruce had no catches last week against Arizona or that tight end Vernon Davis didn't have more game-changing plays. They're both good ..."

49ers' Gore expecting a better season

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August 27

San Jose Mercury News

"For Frank Gore, the hardest part of a hard season was checking his cell phone on game days. That's when Mom used to call. Liz Gore had always checked in with some last-minute coachin g. Remember to do this. You'd better not do that. "You know, just little things,'' Gore said Monday. Liz Gore died of kidney failure Sept. 12, 2007. She was 46. Her son kept checking messages anyway. He couldn't stop. "Even after practice, I look at my phone,'' Gore said. That was his heartbreak of 2007. There was also frustration: An injured ankle. A lousy offense. A losing season. Gore made the Pro Bowl as an alternate, but it felt like a letdown. And now? Gore is smiling again. He's laughing easily and ..."

Gore gets extra work

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August 22

San Francisco Chronicle

"Backup tailback DeShaun Foster didn't make the trip with the 49ers. Instead, he flew to Los Angeles to be with his family following the death of his grandfather. As a result, Frank Gore had more carries than normal (8 for 51 yards) in a couple of impressive early drives. He said he hasn't felt this good about the offense "in a long time." Rossum hurt: Last week, the 49ers survived relatively free of injuries, but Thursday night Allen Rossum sustained a chest contusion on a 51-yard kickoff return in the third quarter, and linebacker Jeff Ulbrich had a back strain. The offense was particularly shorthanded Thursday night. Besides Foster, two starting linemen were out - left guard Adam Snyder ..."