Frank Gore defers, then delivers

PHILADELPHIA -- Frank Gore said he was "cool" with 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh's decision to start rookie Kendall Hunter at running back. In the end, it was Gore who finished off Sunday's 24-23 comeback win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Gore overcame a right-ankle injury and ran for a season-high 127 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown run with three minutes left that was followed by David Akers' go-ahead, point-after kick.

"I just got in a zone," Gore said. "I told myself, 'I'm out here, let's go play.' The offensive line did a great job, and I just run the ball like I do."
Gore entered the game on the 49ers' third snap and delivered a 40-yard dash down the middle of the field. However, "I still wasn't sure I'd finish the game out," Gore said.

Once the 49ers recovered an Eagles fumble with 2:06 remaining, Gore helped run out the clock on five consecutive plays before Alex Smith took a knee on the final snap. Gore was extremely limited in practice last week because of his ankle.

"Being a captain of the team, the guys saw me all week standing around. I couldn't practice, couldn't be me," Gore said. "I was frustrated. Coach Harbaugh told me to keep my chin up, that everybody's watching me."


(sunherald.com)