Frank Gore's fumbling problems have to stop

INDIANAPOLIS – Running back Frank Gore's 22-yard run in overtime put the Colts in chip-shot territory for kicker Adam Vinatieri to make the game-winning field goal.

But ...

“I have to be smarter,” Gore said.

Gore led the Colts in rushing with 53 yards.

But ...

“Man, I have to be smarter,” he said.

The Colts managed to win an ugly game without starting quarterback Andrew Luck.

But ...

“I’m happy we got the win, but still, man, I know I can play football,” Gore said. “I have to play smarter.”

Gore, a man of few words, was beyond hard on himself inside the locker room after the Colts’ victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

He acknowledged that he’s having a difficult time holding onto the ball with his left hand because of an injury. But Gore isn’t using that as an excuse for his play.

Gore is having a hard time stomaching that his fumbles have killed drives inside the 5-yard line twice in the past three games.

The Colts were in position to at least go up by three points on the Jaguars in the fourth quarter when a Jacksonville defender put his helmet on the ball and knocked it free from Gore. The Jaguars recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchback.

“Trying to make something happen instead of playing smart,” Gore said. “I’m putting us in bad situation. [We could have had a] touchdown or field goal. I feel like I’m playing hard, just have to play smarter.”

Sunday’s fumble came after Gore lost the ball inside the 5-yard line against the New York Jets in Week 2. He’s had more than two fumbles in a season seven times during his 11-year NFL career.

The Colts are having a difficult enough time scoring points as it is (18 points a game); the last thing they need is for their starting running back to continue coughing the ball up at the goal line.

“Can’t do it,” coach Chuck Pagano said. “We shot ourselves in the foot. We’re going in for a touchdown and put one on the ground. We’ve got to take care of it, take of the football.”


(espn.com)