3rd down RB duties?

Niners99 · 2012-02-16T02:33:10-08:00

There was one thing that really stuck out to me this past season. Frank Gore seemed to drop just about every ball thrown his way. I've noticed his hands getting worse the last few seasons, but last year it got really pronounced. Is it time for Frank to come out on 3rd downs? He's still one of the better pass blocking rb's in the nfl, but his drops on check downs are making his value as a 3 down back less enticing. I know some of it has to do with Smith just trying not to take a sack, but the days of Gore making a catch out of the backfield and turning it into something positive seem to be fading fast. I don't consider Hunter or Dixon to be significantly better in that area, but maybe Dixon takes a backseat in a ST only role, and we draft/sign a guy who has that skillset. Hunter will replace Gore as the starter in a couple years, so a backup for him will be needed anyways.

Feb 16, 2012 at 3:15 PM

NCommand
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So true and I'm glad you brought this up. Not only has he really lost a step (and stamina despite sharing duties with Hunter) but he dropped everything thrown to him and it killed us. By the end of the season he was getting tackled from behind at the LOS hitting wide open holes. He's never had the speed to run off tackle and that's made our defense very easy to defend (predictable). He never had beak-away speed either. He's still one of the better RB's between the tackles but he is dropping off here as well b/c he's not as quick and explosive and decisive. Frank is very good at picking up blitzers but he did miss more this year than I have ever seen. People forget how many sacks, hits and hurries Alex faced this year.

So now what? Hunter CLEARLY has the ability to run off tackle (super quick) and I firmly believe you could use him exactly like D. Sproles. He has also progressed in blitz pick-up. He's seems solid inside but doesn't get the extra yard or two Gore gets.

Feb 16, 2012 at 3:23 PM

RonMexico
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can Larry Grant play 3rd down RB?

Feb 16, 2012 at 3:30 PM

travisdecpn
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Originally posted by RonMexico:
can Larry Grant play 3rd down RB?

I think Justin Smith needs more reps at RB personally.

Feb 16, 2012 at 4:31 PM

Oakland-Niner
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If the Raiders don't franchise Michael Bush, we need to bring him in, pronto!

Feb 16, 2012 at 6:29 PM

teylo31
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this is a good thread. i have wanted to post something for some time about the untimely let go of taylor mays. i think we let him go way too early. a guy with that kind of talent you have to find a place for him and for a 7 round pick, garbage. this would be a good spot for mays if we still had him. just saying.

Feb 16, 2012 at 6:42 PM

Niners99
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Posts: 44,304

Originally posted by teylo31:
this is a good thread. i have wanted to post something for some time about the untimely let go of taylor mays. i think we let him go way too early. a guy with that kind of talent you have to find a place for him and for a 7 round pick, garbage. this would be a good spot for mays if we still had him. just saying.

lol what are you talking about? How on earth is Taylor Mays qualified to be a RB? If anything he should be an OLB. He's a pile of crap, and harbaugh was quick to send him packing for anything he could get right off the bat. Mays was all physique. His speed and hitting ability were nice, but he lacks every other skill to the point where he doesn't belong on an NFL roster.

Feb 16, 2012 at 6:43 PM

OnTheClock
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Hunter is a rock solid blocker. He doesn't get the credit he deserves for blitz pickup.

Feb 17, 2012 at 8:38 AM

SundayTicket
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this is part of the reason in my little mock i was hoping we take a RB early.. Gores got 2 years left on his contract i believe? if we can get a a 3headed back, Find gores replacement then we can trade gore next year for more picks etc. If the new RB we acquire is garbage then we can go another year trying to find a RB and still have gore/hunter.

Feb 17, 2012 at 8:50 AM

GolittaCamper
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Posts: 7,284

Originally posted by travisdecpn:

Originally posted by RonMexico:
can Larry Grant play 3rd down RB?

I think Justin Smith needs more reps at RB personally.

Okay this nonsense has to stop, I recently had a nightmare regarding this subject, I woke up in a cold sweat after watching the trainers, front office, and janitorial staff lose the Super Bowl, while all the players sat on the sideline!

Feb 17, 2012 at 9:39 AM

#10

GolittaCamper
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Justin Forsett?

Feb 17, 2012 at 10:17 AM

#11

lamontb
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They need to find some wr's that can get open and convert on 3rd down instead of 2 yard check down to a running back.

Feb 17, 2012 at 10:32 AM

#12

WillistheWall
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Posts: 22,848

Originally posted by teylo31:
this is a good thread. i have wanted to post something for some time about the untimely let go of taylor mays. i think we let him go way too early. a guy with that kind of talent you have to find a place for him and for a 7 round pick, garbage. this would be a good spot for mays if we still had him. just saying.

yeah and we should've tried scott mickillop at safety and jed york at punter.

Feb 17, 2012 at 10:33 AM

#13

WillistheWall
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Posts: 22,848

Originally posted by GolittaCamper:

Originally posted by travisdecpn:

Originally posted by RonMexico:
can Larry Grant play 3rd down RB?

I think Justin Smith needs more reps at RB personally.

Okay this nonsense has to stop, I recently had a nightmare regarding this subject, I woke up in a cold sweat after watching the trainers, front office, and janitorial staff lose the Super Bowl, while all the players sat on the sideline!

I hear Crabtree makes a great equipment manager and VD makes a great motivational speaker. Alex can be the offensive coordinator and Willis can be the head coach.

Feb 17, 2012 at 10:46 AM

#14

Phoenix49ers
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Posts: 132,585

Originally posted by WillistheWall:
I hear Crabtree makes a great equipment manager and VD makes a great motivational speaker. Alex can be the offensive coordinator and Willis can be the head coach.

Does that mean Singletary can play ILB????