Bucs defense hopes to reverse trend against 49ers' RB Frank Gore

TAMPA - Tampa Bay's reeling rush defense faces another major test Sunday when the Buccaneers travel to San Francisco to meet the surging 49ers and running back Frank Gore.

Since 2006, Gore tops all NFL players with 7,846 yards from scrimmage and leads the 49ers in rushing and receptions. Gore is the league's No. 5 rusher with 778 yards and ranks third among backs with 41 catches.

"He's a really good running back and they're a power team that loves to run the ball,'' said Bucs defensive end Stylez G. White. "They've got a great runner in Gore and Vernon Davis is a Pro Bowl tight end. They've got a lot of weapons and it's our job to contain them.''

Opposing backs are averaging 4.8 yards per carry against the Bucs, who have seen six different runners gain at least 100 yards against them in the past seven games.

"That's getting pretty old, but we're getting the wins,'' said White.

Gore's versatility is a problem for any defense facing the 49ers, who have won three of their past four after an 0-5 start.

"Their offense is based on the run and then they throw the play-action passes to Davis, who runs a 4.5,'' said defensive end Kyle Moore. "We have to be ready for that.''

Gore averages 21 carries per game and his 10.1 yards per reception is outstanding for a running back.

Troy Smith, who has beaten out Alex Smith at quarterback, comes off an impressive effort against St. Louis, throwing for 356 yards in a 23-20 overtime victory. The 2006 Heisman Trophy winner out of Ohio State presents a challenge with his ability to scramble and buy time.

"Troy Smith played well last week,'' White said. "He's making plays and his mobility can be a problem, if we let it be. We've got a lot of athletes on our side of the ball. We'll probably try to put the game in his (Smith) hands and keep it out of Frank Gore's.''

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(tbo.com)