Frank Gore is not happy. The veteran running back is used to being "the man" for the San Francisco 49ers ground game and now he is looking more like a role player than shining star. Entering the season there was some questions regarding the future of Gore. He is not getting any younger and after San Francisco drafted Carlos Hyde, it appeared his replacement had arrived. However, the stats continued to lean in favor of the veteran until Week 3 when he had one of his quietest games of his career.
The 49ers entered their matchup with the Arizona Cardinals without two of their biggest offensive performers. Tight end Vernon Davis had been ruled out prior to the game after he nearly suffered a devastating ankle injury last week. The team was also without tight end Vance McDonald due to injury. However, by the looks of things they were also without Gore who was barely seen on the field. The running back was not thrilled with his lack of playing time.
When asked about the game plan, Gore simply said (via CSNBayArea.com), "We did what the defense gave us." When pressed further about his very small stats, Gore dismissed reporters saying, "I'm sorry, I can't talk right now."
Gore carried the ball just six times while producing 10 yards total as the 49ers fell to the Cardinals 23-14. He had just one carry at the end of the first half which supports a bad trade for San Francisco who are getting outscored by opponents 59-13 in the first half alone in their first three games. The 49ers attempted a more pass-heavy offense in Week 3. Colin Kaepernick threw the ball 37 times as they operated under more five and four wide receiver sets. However, the results were just one touchdown. The 49ers new offensive planned did not pan out thanks to preparation from the Cardinals.
"Not knowing whether they were going to have their tight ends, it was a pretty tough week defensively to get prepared not knowing what they were going to do when they cam out no-huddle," Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said. "Five wides, four wides, move the ball on this end . . . But we adapted and saw what was happening."
Gore is not happy that he barely got involved this week. The running back fell to third on the rushing stats as Carlos Hyde had 13 yards on just three carries. The 49ers planned to get the rookie more involved as the season went along and that could force Gore to sidelines more times than not.
