Has Frank Gore *truly* lost a step?

It's quite clear that Frank Gore's best years are behind him, but some of the thoughts people have on Frank Gore is that he's done. They think this is probably his last year to be a feature runningback and quite possibly his last year on the team.

In watching him the last few seasons, it's difficult to say how good he is. A runningback is very much the product of his offensive line, and the line just hasn't been too good up until last season. His second season, 2006, was his most productive year when he nearly rushed for 1600 yards. You have to remember that we had a very good run-blocking line (Jonas Jennings and Larry Allen manned the left side), Norv Turner was our offensive coordinator, and Antonio Bryant was doing a very good job serving as a deep threat. 2006's offense was very conducive to running the ball. In subsequent seasons however, like Alex Smith, Frank Gore in the running game has been pretty hampered by multiple offensive coordinators.

Last season, he started off slow and it really did look like he was done... but then he went on a tear mid-season in which he had multiple 100-yard games. He was well-rested by the coaching staff as well, so I'm sure that prolonged his life as a runningback. However, I'll say that at times he didn't seem to run as hard as he used to when he was in his *best* years. The Frank Gore I loved to watch would keep his feet churning and explode for an extra 2 yards, even when it seemed like he was stopped. He still runs hard, but there are times when he just goes to the ground. I don't know if coaches have been having him go down to prevent wear and tear, or if he just doesn't have the explosive ability, or if it's just a matter of minor injuries effecting him.

Even so... I think Frank Gore is a great asset to our team, and even if he isn't capable of 250+ carries anymore, I hope he sticks with the team for awhile, and we have a very strong runningback-by-committee. It'd be a shame for him to be THE offense for so many years and no longer be a productive player when this team is ready for a few pushes at a Super Bowl run.

Thoughts?

LaMike is da future

ZOMG!

cut him.....we have LEMICHAEL JAMES!

http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/165470-goodbye-gire/

we have to take a step back and see these moves for what they are... Jenkins and James weren't drafted to replace what we have in place now, but to aide & improve our depth. Gore has a 2-3 yrs left I think

My concern came when it was revealed he asked to be taken out of the giants game at crunch time when we needed that third and one.it seemed odd that he would do that. do you guys think it was odd? do you think it was just bad timing as running backs sometimes ask to be taken out alot?I love gore and i do not think he has lost a step but did it concern you guys as much as it did me that he did not, would not, could not, be in the game at a real key time. i will always think he could have gotten a first down, which would have allowed the drive to continue, which probably would have allowed us to score, which means the williams fumble would never have occured. Am i reading to much into this and am i being to critical of frank for that one play in his wonderfull career?? would really appreciate your good opinions cuz that has really been bothering me when i think of that game.
thank you signed dazed and confused

Originally posted by Dr_Bill_Walsh:
ZOMG!

cut him.....we have LEMICHAEL JAMES!

http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/165470-goodbye-gire/

the only thing i want to see from you is the girl with her popsicle

Originally posted by cciowa:
the only thing i want to see from you is the girl with her popsicle

http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/parking-lot/164034-warning-smoking-hot/page63/

Has Frank Gore *truly* lost a step?

Verily, I say unto you, yes.

Let's face it, the miles have taken their toll. He never had jets to begin with, and it's become easier for opponents to catch him from behind the last couple of years. And his first step is not quite what it was, though he still generally seems to find the right crease to run through.

Originally posted by cciowa:
My concern came when it was revealed he asked to be taken out of the giants game at crunch time when we needed that third and one.it seemed odd that he would do that. do you guys think it was odd? do you think it was just bad timing as running backs sometimes ask to be taken out alot?I love gore and i do not think he has lost a step but did it concern you guys as much as it did me that he did not, would not, could not, be in the game at a real key time. i will always think he could have gotten a first down, which would have allowed the drive to continue, which probably would have allowed us to score, which means the williams fumble would never have occured. Am i reading to much into this and am i being to critical of frank for that one play in his wonderfull career?? would really appreciate your good opinions cuz that has really been bothering me when i think of that game.
thank you signed dazed and confused

Well he finished the season with a sprained ankle, a knee injury, a rib injury, and a bicep I think. So I don't see why it's unreasonable. He gave us everything he had in the playoffs, it just wasn't enough. That's why they drafted LaMike. Frank will still be the guy and get a lot of carries, but Hunter is going to get some carries and catches kind of like Sproles does, LaMike is the home run threat, and Jacobs is there for short yardage situations. I still think Gore will get 1000 yards next year, but hopefully he'll make it through the season unscathed and be able to contribute in key situations in the playoffs.

Gore has lost a step, that is for sure. He can never seem to finish his runs -- the defender usually catches up to him from behind. His outside running game has always been lacking as well.

However, Gore is still an asset. He's excellent in blitz pick-up and is a good receiving threat as well. We need Gore to change the pace from Hunter and James. Plus, Gore has a lot of heart and loyalty for the team, which is not something that you don't see too much anymore.

Facing 9 men in the box your entire career will do that to a guy. Love gore. Best 49ers RB of all time.

Gore is still a great running back but years of taking a beating have taken there toll. Though he still will be very productive as a between the tackles runner I don't see him taking it to the house from 50 yards out. He will still be the spearhead of our running attack hopefully with the added depth at the position he will have a few less carries but be more explosive.

Frank has NOT lost a thing. He looked as quick as ever during the playoffs. When he hesitated or dove forward for short yards, it was because he lost faith in his blocking and just tried to get what little he could.

I don't understand why Frank gets constantly questioned. The only thing he has to get back to strong is catching the ball and smart pass blocking (focus).

Originally posted by 49erstrandedinclev:
Gore is still a great running back but years of taking a beating have taken there toll. Though he still will be very productive as a between the tackles runner I don't see him taking it to the house from 50 yards out. He will still be the spearhead of our running attack hopefully with the added depth at the position he will have a few less carries but be more explosive.

Agree. Hopefully Hunter and James will help him extend and stay for another few years.

Yes, Frank Gore lost a step.

He lost a step after tearing the ACL in both of his knees in college.