Frank Gore Not Sold On Sharing Carries?

In theory, the 49ers want to move toward a multi-back system to take some of the workload off their featured back.

But just try selling that idea to Frank Gore.

"You have a hard time trying to explain to Frank how some other guy needs to play," Coach Mike Singletary said. "He just doesn't get it. I think as time goes on he'll be a little more willing to do that."

Gore has four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, a franchise first. His 6,653 yards from scrimmage since 2006 are topped only by Steven Jackson (6,766) and LaDainian Tomlinson (6,692).

But Gore has also battled ankle injuries and his hard-nosed running style raises concerns about wear and tear. The 49ers drafted rookie Glen Coffee to take some of the load a year ago, but Coffee had only 83 carries on the season and had more than two carries in a game only once after Week 7.

The 49ers think Gore can stay fresher and healthier over the course of the season if they get him a well-timed breather. The team points to recent New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys teams of examples of successful running back committees.

That's why they the 49ers used a sixth-round pick on Anthony Dixon, a 6-0, 233-pound back from Mississippi. Dixon lacks breakaway speed but, like Gore, he's a powerful inside runner.

"I embrace the contact," Dixon said. "Very physical."

Unlike, say, the Giants' recent trio nicknamed "Earth, Wind and Fire" for their divergent skills (Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw), the 49ers' three backs all feature similar styles.

Gore, Coffee and Dixon are all downhill-type runners and there is no change-of-pace, outside threat on the roster.

But that's fine with director of player personnel Trent Baalke, especially after using his pair of first-round draft picks to beef up the offensive line.

"The style of offense we run is go big or go home," he said.

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(usatoday.com)