Frank Gore: 'I Just Want to Win'

Frank Gore could hardly conduct an interview following the San Francisco 49ers Week 3 road loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

Gore spoke for a few minutes and then asked politely if he could have time for reflection.

Days later, Gore had another opportunity to speak with the media about what was a challenging game for the 10-year pro: a six-carry performance against the Cardinals.

“I was frustrated,” Gore said on Wednesday. “If we would have got the win, I’m happy, you know?”

Gore wasn’t the focal point of the team’s offensive game plan for the Cardinals. Instead, San Francisco elected to attack Arizona’s secondary.

“We felt like it was a personnel group that would help us in the game,” Jim Harbaugh said. “And we wanted to use it.”

The 49ers had a 23-37 run-to-pass ratio against the Cardinals.

Gore, who has 35 carries for 139 rushing yards and one touchdown on the year, said he wasn’t discouraged by the game plan. He understood it.

“Whatever works, I’m with it,” said Gore, who is averaging 4 yards per carry this season. “If it’s passing, it’s passing. We pass the ball. If it’s running, we run the ball.

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win and if we have to go out there and do the spread again, I’m with it. That’s just the type of player I am. I just want to win.”

Gore’s backfield mate, starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick, said the 49ers will continue to attack a defense by highlighting the offense’s best matchups.
That’s been the hallmark of a Harbaugh-coached team – San Francisco just hasn’t had the type of wide receiver help that they do in 2014.

So will Gore be used sparingly once again with the Philadelphia Eagles coming to town on Sunday?

That will be discovered in a matter of days.

The 49ers running attack could be in line for reinforcements. Right tackle Anthony Davis returned to practice for the first time this season in a limited role. Tight end Vernon Davis also was limited in practice, a good sign that he’s improved from the ankle injury that kept him sidelined against Arizona.

Gore said the key this week is to “finish” the game out. After back-to-back losses, his mindset appears to be in a good place.

Harbaugh vouched for it.

“I would see no reason why he wouldn’t be confident in that regard,” the coach said.


(49ers.com)