Frank Gore no longer factor as pass catcher

SANTA CLARA -- Since Frank Gore became the full-time starter in 2006, he has been widely regarded as one of the NFL's top all-around running backs.

Gore is in the elite class because of the consistency he has shown with his ability to run, catch and block.

He remains one of the top runners in the league. And his determination and skills in pass protection are considered so unique for a player who produces as many yards. In fact, his blocking skills are so valuable that this season he has not been asked to catch as many passes.

Through 11 games, Gore has caught just 16 passes for 101 yards and no touchdowns. In his previous five seasons as the starter, Gore averaged 51 receptions for 430 yards.

When asked why Gore hasn't caught as many passes this season, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh answered, "There might be some reasons schematically that we're looking at in that area."

Quarterback Alex Smith said the changes in the 49ers' offensive system have required that Gore take on more responsibility in pass protection.
"Scheme, obviously, is a little different," Smith said. "Protections are different. That all impacts it, especially a running back getting out into his check-downs. Frank is one of the best in the game, I think, in protecting and he takes a lot of pride in that and the way we use him in our protections.

"Sometimes he doesn't get out (into a pass route) all of the time. You play that game. Do you want the backs out right now? Or do you want them helping out in protection?"

Gore said the 49ers have made the wideouts more a part of the offense, which has taken away opportunities for him to catch passes. And he is not complaining.

"Alex has done a great job of getting the ball down the field," Gore said. "I'm good with that. We have more success with Alex throwing the ball down the field than just looking at me and checking the ball down. It's more about the team than me and my stats."

Here are Gore's receiving stats since entering the league in 2005 as Kevan Barlow's backup (in parenthesis games played/games started):

2011 (11/10): 16 catches, 101 yards, 6.3 avg, 0 TDs 2010 (11/11): 46 catches, 452 yards, 9.8 avg, 2 TDs 2009 (14/14): 52 catches, 406 yards, 7.8 avg, 3 TDs 2008 (14/14): 43 catches, 373 yards, 8.7 avg, 2 TDs 2007 (15/15): *53 catches, 436 yards, 8.2 avg, 1 TD 2006 (16/16): *61 catches, 485 yards, 8.0 avg, 1 TD 2005 (14/1): 15 catches, 131 yards, 8.7 avg, 0 TD
*-Team lead


(csnbayarea.com)