The San Francisco 49ers are not starting the 2014 season in the way they were hoping, The team is 1-2 on the year, struggling with consistency despite having several top wide receivers and a strong running back tandem covering the field. However, things have been off and now frustration is growing with some of the players as they look for answers. With several players returning for Week 4 healthy, will things turn around?
The 49ers had scheme issues in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals. With Vernon Davis and Vance McDonald both out with injuries, the personnel packages were thrown off and the result was a dysfunctional offense and a loss. According to Jim Harbaugh, Davis and McDonald are expected to make their return in Week 4 which should help the offense stabilize as they prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles. Davis was out with a knee and ankle injury, one that could have been a lot more serious than it was. Both tight ends are keys to the 49ers' offense plans and getting them back should help quarterback Colin Kaepernick improve off a struggling performance.
One person that might not be happy with their return is running back Frank Gore. The veteran saw the lowest amount of production in his career on Sunday as he carried the ball just six times for 10 yards. The 49ers opted to run a pass-heavy offense, leaving Gore on the sidelines more times than not. Gore tried to remain coy with reporters noting that the offense was simply reacting to what the defense was giving, but then walked away quickly when asked about his low numbers on the field.
Gore's amount of carries has dropped each week. He was given 16 in Week 1, but then dropped to 13 and then six the following two games. Meanwhile, rookie Carlos Hyde is getting a large role in the offense as he put up 13 yards on just three carries while getting targeting twice in the passing game. He looked more explosive than the veteran which could mean a change on the depth chart.
Despite sitting at 1-2 on the year, there is zero panic within the locker room. The 49ers can still very much make the playoffs despite sitting in third in their division. Gore will continue to march out with the starters, but whether he continues as the better running back is the real question. If he was frustrated with his lack of carries when Davis was injured, it will only get worse upon his return.
