Running back Frank Gore appeared miffed last week when he learned from a reporter that coach Mike Nolan wants to limit his carries in 2007. Gore's goal is to rush for over 2,000 yards and challenge former Ram Eric Dickerson's single-season record of 2,105, set in 1984.
The 49ers, meanwhile, are looking for a return on their $14 million in guaranteed cash. The money was part of a four-year extension Gore signed last week.
Research reveals that running backs who top 370 carries in a given year are often rendered ineffective or are seriously injured within the span of the next two seasons. It took Gore 312 carries to gain a team-record 1,695 yards last season.
The 49ers have their own goals as a team, such as making the playoffs. A winning record could assure Gore more carries with the 49ers running the ball to protect leads late in games.
But the 49ers should preserve Gore. He has undergone major surgery on all four joints that are most impacted by football contact -- both knees and both shoulders.
But the 49ers should preserve Gore. He has undergone major surgery on all four joints that are most impacted by football contact -- both knees and both shoulders.
It took Dickerson 379 carries for his record-breaking total in '84. Baltimore's Jamal Lewis needed 387 carries to gain 2,066 yards in 2003. So Gore should forget Dickerson and he should think Beattie Feathers. The Bears' halfback holds the record for the highest yards per carry average in a season (8.44), which he set in 1934. Attempting to gain nearly 10 yards a carry is far-fetched, but it's far less bruising goal than topping Dickerson and will lengthen Gores career in the long run. And the 49ers would like to see long runs from Gore for a long time
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