Originally posted by Wodwo:
Originally posted by verb1der:
Sure, perhaps at the beginning of the game. But anyone who pays close attention to Gore, knows he wears down as the game goes on. He runs extremely hard, but you can clearly see him calling to be subbed after a hard run. What happens when he does that? They put in LMJ or Dixon. Do defenses fear LMJ or Dixon out the backfield? No.
Anyone who thinks Gore is an every down back at this point is in denial. The fact is, 49ers can no longer rely on a ground and pound run scheme since we lost Hunter. I don't understand why no one can see this. It's clearly obvious.
So how do they make for it? They use the pistol/Q. Because the formation still allows versatile run/pass scheme that keeps a defense honest. Is it perfect? No. But has it worked against top tier teams. Yes.
Coaches are working with what they have, and all those complaining that "we should go back to what we did before" is completely ignoring the fact that 49ers do not have the same RBs that were the catalysts for those formations.
Ted Robinson said it best "People have no idea how crucial it was to lose Kendall Hunter."
Yes, the statistics clearly support that.
First Half: 129 attempts for 584 yards. 4.5 average with 2 touchdowns and 29 first downs.
Second Half: 99 attempts for 539 yards. 5.4 average with 5 touchdowns and 32 first downs.
Obviously less effective as the game goes on.
Interesting stats Wodwo.
That all the more proves to me that the coaches are doing a great job in incorporating Gore into the game plan. A smaller workload keeps him fresh throughout the game so he can make the most of every opportunity.
If they asked Gore to be the bell cow again like good ol' times as some are suggesting, I believe the stats above would tip the scale heavily towards the first half (especially at this stage of his career).
Fortunately with the read-option, Kaep + LMJ essentially spells Gore throughout the game, to make up for the loss of production from Kendall Hunter.