Player Spotlight: Frank Gore (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2006 Player Spotlight Series

Over the course of the offseason, we will be evaluating a multitude of players at every fantasy position. One such way we go about that is through the Player Spotlight series. Think of the Spotlights as a permanent record on some of the more intriguing players for the upcoming season. Each Spotlight will be featured in an article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Player Page Link: Frank Gore Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide sustainable value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsBest of Luck and ENJOY!

 

[GreedoShotFirst]

I think that Gore will end up as the #1 RB in San Fran. That being said, he still shares carries and ends up with:

175 carries

825 yards

6 TD

30 receptions

275 yards

1 TD

that makes him a weak RB 2 or a good RB 3.

 

[BL Titans]

I don't think he'll beat Barlow - and he's too patched up to last anyway. 2 off-season shoulder operations, bionic knees ........... injury waiting to happen IMO

 

[perry147]

I think that Gore will end up as the #1 RB in San Fran. That being said, he still shares carries and ends up with:

175 carries

825 yards

6 TD

30 receptions

275 yards

1 TD

that makes him a weak RB 2 or a good RB 3.

You are way high unless Barlow gets hurt.

 

[GreedoShotFirst]

I think that Gore will end up as the #1 RB in San Fran. That being said, he still shares carries and ends up with:

175 carries

825 yards

6 TD

30 receptions

275 yards

1 TD

that makes him a weak RB 2 or a good RB 3.

You are way high unless Barlow gets hurt.

or stinks so bad that they give Gore more carries.

 

[Ace08]

Prior to the injury....he's probably the most talented running back I have ever seen....and we've had some TERRIFIC backs come out from Miami over the years. Many forget that not for his first season ending injury during his sophomore year....Willis McGahee may never have seen the field....he was that good. I attended the game his senior year of high school for Coral Gables High where he shattered the state record for most yards EVER in a district playoff game. He put up 500 yards rushing in a single game against the then #1ranked team in the state of Florida. Coming out of high school, many down here-myself included-compared the kid's running style to that of Emmitt Smith....only with more speed.

Kid is the victim of horrible luck...both season ending ACL injuries he sufferred in college were both of the "freak" variety where he was barely touched but got a cleat caught in the ground or something of that fashion....

This will be his magical "2nd year removed' from his ACL surgery. In essence...he should be as close to 100% as he will ever be coming into the season. He's lost weight and has regained much of his quickness.

Couple all that with the addition of Norv Turner...who's never been a big RBBC guy and who has a consistent track record of producing solid fantasy running backs within his offensive scheme. One thing is certain here....Barlow sucks. In addition, since neither Barlow or Gore were selected directly by the current staff you have to assume it will be a fair, open competition and the best man will get the job. From a pure talent standpoint, Gore at 90% is better than a completely healthy Barlow. Gore has good hands out of the backfield, is great at blitz pickups, and rarely fumbles. In addition, and probably his best attribute, is his vision between the tackles. Gore at 100% is a PHENOMENAL cut-back runner who posses the vision necessary to gain the tough yards inside.

The biggest question is....now that he's finally healthy (knee-wise) and has lost the weight...how much of his speed will he be able to recapture. He was never a "burner"....but he did arrive at Miami as a 4.5 guy....which is fast enough given his natural running instincts.

If Gore is 100%, and it's a big if, he could be this year's biggest fantasy sleeper. Gore's biggest competition won't come from Barlow...it will come from himself.

That said....

Rushing: 1080 yards 7 TD's

Receiving: 300 yards 1 TD

But there is definitely upside here for more.....

 

[toxicbees]

I like Gore a lot, he has quick moves and great vision. Both of which Barlow seems to lack. My biggest concern with Gore is the knees and now shoulders. That's why I don't think he'll stay healthy all season. One of my concerns about Gore is that Barlow is going to steal the goal line carries. Barlow is definitely the bigger and more physical back.

Given that Gore will miss a few games and lose goal line carries to Barlow here's where I see his stats:

185 carries, 860 yards, 4tds

35 receptions, 250 yards, 2tds

 

[Gandalf]

I like Gore a lot, he has quick moves and great vision. Both of which Barlow seems to lack. My biggest concern with Gore is the knees and now shoulders. That's why I don't think he'll stay healthy all season. One of my concerns about Gore is that Barlow is going to steal the goal line carries. Barlow is definitely the bigger and more physical back.

Given that Gore will miss a few games and lose goal line carries to Barlow here's where I see his stats:

185 carries, 860 yards, 4tds

35 receptions, 250 yards, 2tds

I think you nailed it. The injury history is what concerns me, not Gore's talent and with Barlow in the mix and possibly starting. 150 carries, 600 yards, 3tds

20 receptions, 180 yards, 1tds

 

[CalBear]

Does Gore really deserve his own spotlight? He hasn't been named the starter, he's still injured, and SF's running game is going to be awful anyway.

I think Barlow keeps the ostensible starter's job, but he rotates with Gore and Hicks as most of the 49er games will be garbage time.

100 rushes, 420 yards, 2 TD. 15 receptions, 170 yards, 1 TD. Not worth it.

 

[Two Deep]

I think he is a very talented hard runner whose parts may fall off before the season ends. 175 - 690- 5tds....16 -140 0tds

 

[toxicbees]

Does Gore really deserve his own spotlight? He hasn't been named the starter, he's still injured, and SF's running game is going to be awful anyway.

I think Barlow keeps the ostensible starter's job, but he rotates with Gore and Hicks as most of the 49er games will be garbage time.

100 rushes, 420 yards, 2 TD. 15 receptions, 170 yards, 1 TD. Not worth it.

I think someone is going to excel in this running game. I'm just not sure who it's going to be. Lets see why:- New Running OC in Norv Turner = check

- Improved O-line

a) Quality depth in Heitman and Estes = check

b) Talented young guys w/ some experience, fighting for spots in Kwame, Snyder, Baas, Smiley = check

c) Quality veteran leadership in Newberry, Allen, and Jennings = check

- An improved second year QB = check

- Upgrades at WR (Bryant) and TE (V.Davis), means defenses can't stack the line anymore = check

Every expert on the planet is writing the Niner running game off as dead last. ESPN recently put the Niners dead last, in what seemed like the easiest pick to make. All three ESPN analysts turned to each other and said "1..2..3..49ers".

I admit, there are some question marks in my analysis, but I think the Niner running game has a ceiling of 9th and a floor or 25th in the league. Definitely not 32nd.

 

[CalBear]

Does Gore really deserve his own spotlight? He hasn't been named the starter, he's still injured, and SF's running game is going to be awful anyway.

I think Barlow keeps the ostensible starter's job, but he rotates with Gore and Hicks as most of the 49er games will be garbage time.

100 rushes, 420 yards, 2 TD. 15 receptions, 170 yards, 1 TD. Not worth it.

I think someone is going to excel in this running game. I'm just not sure who it's going to be. Lets see why:- New Running OC in Norv Turner = check

- Improved O-line

a) Quality depth in Heitman and Estes = check

b) Talented young guys w/ some experience, fighting for spots in Kwame, Snyder, Baas, Smiley = check

c) Quality veteran leadership in Newberry, Allen, and Jennings = check

- An improved second year QB = check

- Upgrades at WR (Bryant) and TE (V.Davis), means defenses can't stack the line anymore = check

Every expert on the planet is writing the Niner running game off as dead last. ESPN recently put the Niners dead last, in what seemed like the easiest pick to make. All three ESPN analysts turned to each other and said "1..2..3..49ers".

I admit, there are some question marks in my analysis, but I think the Niner running game has a ceiling of 9th and a floor or 25th in the league. Definitely not 32nd.

Norv Turner only two years ago presided over a rushing "attack" that didn't produce a 500-yard rusher, despite having a better QB and better receivers than the Niners currently have. And in 2005, the Raiders were 30th in rushing attempts and 25th in rushing yards, averaging just 3.71 yards per carry.The floor for the Niners is #32 offense, #32 defense again. They will struggle to do any better than that.

 

[kevthegrad]

Thanks to the overwhelming feedback on this San Fran RB poll :

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...opic=239970&hl=

It's clear that a slight majority of people, like it or not, think Gore is ready to take the starting job. But I understand the question of "does he deserve his own spotlight" since he's yet to be named starter.

I think it will be back and forth for the first few games, but eventually if he stays healthy, he will establish himself as the new starter.

215 carries, 900 yards, 6 TD's

30 catches, 330 yards, 1 TD

 

[kevthegrad]

Thanks to the overwhelming feedback on this San Fran RB poll :

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...opic=239970&hl=

It's clear that a slight majority of people, like it or not, think Gore is ready to take the starting job. But I understand the question of "does he deserve his own spotlight" since he's yet to be named starter.

I think it will be back and forth for the first few games, but eventually if he stays healthy, he will establish himself as the new starter.

215 carries, 900 yards, 6 TD's

30 catches, 330 yards, 1 TD

Um...my reply several hours ago above wasn't intended to be the end of this thread???

 

[Football Jones]

I'm more concerned with Gore's shoulders. It was obvious to me he's recovered from the knee injuries. He showed excellent quickness & acceleration last season. Gore is a tough, explosive runner with good vision.

If his shoulders hold up, & I think they will, we're looking at the surpise RB of the year, IMO. I don't believe there's any way Barlow (or Hicks) can hold off a healthy Gore.

 

[ProdigyofParcells]

I'm more concerned about Gore's shoulders. It was obvious to me he's recovered from the knee injuries. He showed excellent quickness & acceleration last season. Gore is a tough, explosive runner with good vision.

If his shoulders up, & I think they will, we're looking at the surpise RB of the year, IMO. I don't believe there's any way Barlow (or Hicks) can hold off a healthy Gore.

I see Barlow as the sleeper of the year. I think he is tailor made for Turners system. I see him taking a Stephen Davis type role. That of course if when Gore inevitably gets hurt.Its too bad cuz I like Gore and would love to see him succeed.

 

[mlball77]

I'm more concerned about Gore's shoulders. It was obvious to me he's recovered from the knee injuries. He showed excellent quickness & acceleration last season. Gore is a tough, explosive runner with good vision.

If his shoulders up, & I think they will, we're looking at the surpise RB of the year, IMO. I don't believe there's any way Barlow (or Hicks) can hold off a healthy Gore.

I see Barlow as the sleeper of the year. I think he is tailor made for Turners system. I see him taking a Stephen Davis type role. That of course if when Gore inevitably gets hurt.

Living in northern California I usually hear a lot about SF and Oak, but I think its still too early for anything with real weight. My gut feeling is similar to yours, that Barlow is more likely to get the opportunity be Turner's guy. I think Gore may be a bit more talented, but Barlow's skill set may be a better fit... and add to that Gore's considerable injury risk and I'm not convinced Gore will be the starter and/or get teh bulk of the carries in SF in 06. All of that said, I don't expect any RB in SF to be overly productive in FF terms in 2006. The team still needs to improve its o-line.

 

[LTsharks]

I'm more concerned with Gore's shoulders. It was obvious to me he's recovered from the knee injuries. He showed excellent quickness & acceleration last season. Gore is a tough, explosive runner with good vision.

If his shoulders hold up, & I think they will, we're looking at the surpise RB of the year, IMO. I don't believe there's any way Barlow (or Hicks) can hold off a healthy Gore.

I'm clearly being lazy here for not researchign this on my own, but what was the problem with his shoulders? In the small sample I got to see last year of SF, Gore was the better RB. Were the shoulder problems something that could linger into this year?Anyone familiar with the stituation that can give some insight?

 

[wannabee]

I'm more concerned with Gore's shoulders. It was obvious to me he's recovered from the knee injuries. He showed excellent quickness & acceleration last season. Gore is a tough, explosive runner with good vision.

If his shoulders hold up, & I think they will, we're looking at the surpise RB of the year, IMO. I don't believe there's any way Barlow (or Hicks) can hold off a healthy Gore.

I'm clearly being lazy here for not researchign this on my own, but what was the problem with his shoulders? In the small sample I got to see last year of SF, Gore was the better RB. Were the shoulder problems something that could linger into this year?Anyone familiar with the stituation that can give some insight?

I found this excerpt from the article linked below:http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/article...9ers200506.html

Turns out Gore played much of the season with two partially separated shoulders. So Mike Nolan limited Gore's carries to keep him in the lineup every week. Gore did not want the same old injury talk to pop up again so he buckled up his chin strap and played through what was obviously a great deal of pain. Every time he touched the ball, he was explosive, quick and surprisingly physical for a back his size. Never once would you have guessed he was badly banged up. Talk about tough!!

So now that questions surrounding his knees have been answered, we must ask, how will those surgically repaired shoulders hold up? If he can stay healthy, Gore will push Kevan Barlow for the starting job. Last season he outran Barlow with two bum shoulders. Imagine what he could do if he was healthy. That's what people have been saying Frank Gore's entire career.

 

[nygiants56]

Norv Turner only two years ago presided over a rushing "attack" that didn't produce a 500-yard rusher, despite having a better QB and better receivers than the Niners currently have. And in 2005, the Raiders were 30th in rushing attempts and 25th in rushing yards, averaging just 3.71 yards per carry.

The floor for the Niners is #32 offense, #32 defense again. They will struggle to do any better than that.

Not sure I'd call Kerry Collins better than Alex Smith! lolall joking aside, it is hard to do anything when your team ranks 27th in time of possession, like Oakland did last year..considering that, Turner did a great job of getting Lamont Jordan the ball...70 catches when you're constantly going 3-and-out?! that is awesome, IMO...

that is the MOST telling stat about the 2005 Raiders, they could not sustain drives..

just to recap, Lamont Jordan finished 2006 ranked 15th in rushing yards, 11th in rushing tds, #1 in RB receptions..all this with the 27th ranked offense in TOP, an offense that couldn't even stay on the field consistently.

that said, I think Turner will once again work some magic with either Hicks, Barlow, Gore..someone is a big time sleeper at RB on that team.

 

[derek19]

I'm more concerned with Gore's shoulders. It was obvious to me he's recovered from the knee injuries. He showed excellent quickness & acceleration last season. Gore is a tough, explosive runner with good vision.

If his shoulders hold up, & I think they will, we're looking at the surpise RB of the year, IMO. I don't believe there's any way Barlow (or Hicks) can hold off a healthy Gore.

I'm clearly being lazy here for not researchign this on my own, but what was the problem with his shoulders? In the small sample I got to see last year of SF, Gore was the better RB. Were the shoulder problems something that could linger into this year?Anyone familiar with the stituation that can give some insight?

I found this excerpt from the article linked below:http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/article...9ers200506.html

Turns out Gore played much of the season with two partially separated shoulders. So Mike Nolan limited Gore's carries to keep him in the lineup every week. Gore did not want the same old injury talk to pop up again so he buckled up his chin strap and played through what was obviously a great deal of pain. Every time he touched the ball, he was explosive, quick and surprisingly physical for a back his size. Never once would you have guessed he was badly banged up. Talk about tough!!

So now that questions surrounding his knees have been answered, we must ask, how will those surgically repaired shoulders hold up? If he can stay healthy, Gore will push Kevan Barlow for the starting job. Last season he outran Barlow with two bum shoulders. Imagine what he could do if he was healthy. That's what people have been saying Frank Gore's entire career.

 

[Todem]

Prior to the injury....he's probably the most talented running back I have ever seen....and we've had some TERRIFIC backs come out from Miami over the years.  Many forget that not for his first season ending injury during his sophomore year....Willis McGahee may never have seen the field....he was that good. I attended the game his senior year of high school for Coral Gables High where he shattered the state record for most yards EVER in a district playoff game.  He put up 500 yards rushing in a single game against the then #1ranked team in the state of Florida.  Coming out of high school, many down here-myself included-compared the kid's running style to that of Emmitt Smith....only with more speed.

Kid is the victim of horrible luck...both season ending ACL injuries he sufferred in college were both of the "freak" variety where he was barely touched but got a cleat caught in the ground or something of that fashion....

This will be his magical "2nd year removed' from his ACL surgery.  In essence...he should be as close to 100% as he will ever be coming into the season.  He's lost weight and has regained much of his quickness.

Couple all that with the addition of Norv Turner...who's never been a big RBBC guy and who has a consistent track record of producing solid fantasy running backs within his offensive scheme.  One thing is certain here....Barlow sucks.  In addition, since neither Barlow or Gore were selected directly by the current staff you have to assume it will be a fair, open competition and the best man will get the job.  From a pure talent standpoint, Gore at 90% is better than a completely healthy Barlow.  Gore has good hands out of the backfield, is great at blitz pickups, and rarely fumbles.  In addition, and probably his best attribute, is his vision between the tackles.  Gore at 100% is a PHENOMENAL cut-back runner who posses the vision necessary to gain the tough yards inside.

The biggest question is....now that he's finally healthy (knee-wise) and has lost the weight...how much of his speed will he be able to recapture.  He was never a "burner"....but he did arrive at Miami as a 4.5 guy....which is fast enough given his natural running instincts. 

If Gore is 100%, and it's a big if, he could be this year's biggest fantasy sleeper.  Gore's biggest competition won't come from Barlow...it will come from himself.

That said....

Rushing: 1080 yards 7 TD's

Receiving: 300 yards 1 TD

But there is definitely upside here for more.....

I also live in South Florida and have my whole life.Willis McGahee was the best I ever saw at UM. With that though Gore has never even looked the same since both his knees went. Couple that with his shoulders and you have a very hyped player that will let down a lot of people who are reaching on him too early in dynasty drafts ( I have seen him go as early as the 6th round!!).

I do not believe Gore will ever be durable enough for the NFL grind. Nor do I see him even beating out Kevan Barlow who looked great in 2003, had a very pedestrian 2004. 2005 that team was a nightmare and Barlow was playing on a bum knee.

I don't think either back is worth much more than a borderline RB3 solid RB4/bye week fill in.

Of the 2 Barlow has a much better shot at busting out in Norv Turners scheme which calls for a pass catcher and Barlow is a much better RB in that regard, plus he can really run strong into the pile when he wants to play hard. I think he will this season.

Barlow - 300 Carries - 1100 yards 5 TD's 35 rec for 275 Yards

Gore- 150 Carries 500 Yards 3 TD's 10 receptions 40 Yards

That is how I see it at this point.

 

[popeye]

I think Gore owns the job by opening day.

260 carries

1150 yards

9 td

30 receptions

250 yards

1 td

 

[BigRed]

You are way high unless Barlow gets hurt.

Don't have stats handy but hasn't Barlow mostly sucked and Gore done fairly well recently? Obviously both are to be bought dirt cheap in auctions or drafted late in "regular" drafts, but I'd take a flyer on Gore long before Barlow just on that.

 

[Phlash]

RBBC in San Fran with Gore getting a majority of the carries.

I'm guessing that as a team they'll rush for more than they did last year by a little bit, so lets say 439 rushes and 1800 yards (they rushed for 1695 yards last year).

I'm guessing that Gore will average about 4.5 ypc (down from 4.8) and get a majority of the carries (lets say 60%). Barlow should get another 20%, leaving 20% for FBs/trick plays/Maurice Hicks.

I'll give Gore about 263/1183/7 rushing and 32/300/1 receiving.

Barlow should be around 96/345/1 and 20/230/1 receiving.

Rest of the guys should get around 80/272/3 and 20/200/0 receiving.

 

[rascal]

BUMP...

So what stats does everybody predict now?

 

[LawFitz]

BUMP...So what stats does everybody predict now?

IF he plays 16 games, he's this year's LaMont Jordan.1100 yds rush/ 10 TDs~50 receptions/ 400 yds rec/ 2 TDsBUT his injury history is a major discounting mechanism on the guy's valuation. Best bet is to take the stat line just listed, convert it to PPG, then go from there with the understanding that you will need a very good backup to plug in if/when he gets hurt. And the handcuffs aren't gonna do it. Hicks isn't nearly the talent and M.Rob hasn't proven anything other than being a phenomenal athlete.While healhty, he'll be a solid RB2 this year.

 

[Steelers4Life]

In the games he plays in, I'd expect him to average 15-17 carries or so. He'll have some closer games where he'll break 20 carries, and he'll also have some games where the 49ers fall far behind and he'll struggle to get 15.

Over a full and healthy 16 game schedule, I'd estimate he gets 250-275 carries. Not sure exactly how involved he'll be in the passing game, but considering that he and Barlow combined for around 45 catches last year and Barlow was the superior receiver, I'll guess he's in the neighborhood of 30 passes for another couple hundred yards.

Personally, I expect him to miss at least 2 full games over the course of the season, whether it's because he's out of the game or he misses a half here and there due to bumps and bruises.

So, I think we're looking more at:

240 carries @ 4.1 YPC = 984 yards rushing

30 catches @ 9 YPC = 270 yards receiving

Maybe 8 combined TDs

 

[Spartans Rule]

With Barlow gone I have Gore down for 272-1170-7, 28-224-0, which makes him my RB22.

I definitely like his talent and his opportunity, but there are still plenty of question marks in San Fran.

 

[TheFanatic]

Prior to the injury....he's probably the most talented running back I have ever seen....and we've had some TERRIFIC backs come out from Miami over the years. Many forget that not for his first season ending injury during his sophomore year....Willis McGahee may never have seen the field....he was that good. I attended the game his senior year of high school for Coral Gables High where he shattered the state record for most yards EVER in a district playoff game. He put up 500 yards rushing in a single game against the then #1ranked team in the state of Florida. Coming out of high school, many down here-myself included-compared the kid's running style to that of Emmitt Smith....only with more speed.

Kid is the victim of horrible luck...both season ending ACL injuries he sufferred in college were both of the "freak" variety where he was barely touched but got a cleat caught in the ground or something of that fashion....

This will be his magical "2nd year removed' from his ACL surgery. In essence...he should be as close to 100% as he will ever be coming into the season. He's lost weight and has regained much of his quickness.

Couple all that with the addition of Norv Turner...who's never been a big RBBC guy and who has a consistent track record of producing solid fantasy running backs within his offensive scheme. One thing is certain here....Barlow sucks. In addition, since neither Barlow or Gore were selected directly by the current staff you have to assume it will be a fair, open competition and the best man will get the job. From a pure talent standpoint, Gore at 90% is better than a completely healthy Barlow. Gore has good hands out of the backfield, is great at blitz pickups, and rarely fumbles. In addition, and probably his best attribute, is his vision between the tackles. Gore at 100% is a PHENOMENAL cut-back runner who posses the vision necessary to gain the tough yards inside.

The biggest question is....now that he's finally healthy (knee-wise) and has lost the weight...how much of his speed will he be able to recapture. He was never a "burner"....but he did arrive at Miami as a 4.5 guy....which is fast enough given his natural running instincts.

If Gore is 100%, and it's a big if, he could be this year's biggest fantasy sleeper. Gore's biggest competition won't come from Barlow...it will come from himself.

That said....

Rushing: 1080 yards 7 TD's

Receiving: 300 yards 1 TD

But there is definitely upside here for more.....

I also live in South Florida and have my whole life.Willis McGahee was the best I ever saw at UM. With that though Gore has never even looked the same since both his knees went. Couple that with his shoulders and you have a very hyped player that will let down a lot of people who are reaching on him too early in dynasty drafts ( I have seen him go as early as the 6th round!!).

I do not believe Gore will ever be durable enough for the NFL grind. Nor do I see him even beating out Kevan Barlow who looked great in 2003, had a very pedestrian 2004. 2005 that team was a nightmare and Barlow was playing on a bum knee.

I don't think either back is worth much more than a borderline RB3 solid RB4/bye week fill in.

Of the 2 Barlow has a much better shot at busting out in Norv Turners scheme which calls for a pass catcher and Barlow is a much better RB in that regard, plus he can really run strong into the pile when he wants to play hard. I think he will this season.

Barlow - 300 Carries - 1100 yards 5 TD's 35 rec for 275 Yards

Gore- 150 Carries 500 Yards 3 TD's 10 receptions 40 Yards

That is how I see it at this point.

Good stuff here

 

[Spartans Rule]

BUMP...So what stats does everybody predict now?

IF he plays 16 games, he's this year's LaMont Jordan.1100 yds rush/ 10 TDs~50 receptions/ 400 yds rec/ 2 TDsBUT his injury history is a major discounting mechanism on the guy's valuation. Best bet is to take the stat line just listed, convert it to PPG, then go from there with the understanding that you will need a very good backup to plug in if/when he gets hurt. And the handcuffs aren't gonna do it. Hicks isn't nearly the talent and M.Rob hasn't proven anything other than being a phenomenal athlete.While healhty, he'll be a solid RB2 this year.

Just curious... 50 catches?The 49ers completed the fewest passes in the league last season, 204. While that number will almost certainly go up, they don't figure to be a passing juggernaut. And they added a top TE in the draft and got another good TE back from injury - I'd see Smith going to the TEs more than the backs when he gets in trouble. Gore isn't really known for his receiving ability, so I can't see him getting a big slice of the pie, and the pie's pretty small to begin with.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Prior to the injury....he's probably the most talented running back I have ever seen....and we've had some TERRIFIC backs come out from Miami over the years. Many forget that not for his first season ending injury during his sophomore year....Willis McGahee may never have seen the field....he was that good. I attended the game his senior year of high school for Coral Gables High where he shattered the state record for most yards EVER in a district playoff game. He put up 500 yards rushing in a single game against the then #1ranked team in the state of Florida. Coming out of high school, many down here-myself included-compared the kid's running style to that of Emmitt Smith....only with more speed.

Kid is the victim of horrible luck...both season ending ACL injuries he sufferred in college were both of the "freak" variety where he was barely touched but got a cleat caught in the ground or something of that fashion....

This will be his magical "2nd year removed' from his ACL surgery. In essence...he should be as close to 100% as he will ever be coming into the season. He's lost weight and has regained much of his quickness.

Couple all that with the addition of Norv Turner...who's never been a big RBBC guy and who has a consistent track record of producing solid fantasy running backs within his offensive scheme. One thing is certain here....Barlow sucks. In addition, since neither Barlow or Gore were selected directly by the current staff you have to assume it will be a fair, open competition and the best man will get the job. From a pure talent standpoint, Gore at 90% is better than a completely healthy Barlow. Gore has good hands out of the backfield, is great at blitz pickups, and rarely fumbles. In addition, and probably his best attribute, is his vision between the tackles. Gore at 100% is a PHENOMENAL cut-back runner who posses the vision necessary to gain the tough yards inside.

The biggest question is....now that he's finally healthy (knee-wise) and has lost the weight...how much of his speed will he be able to recapture. He was never a "burner"....but he did arrive at Miami as a 4.5 guy....which is fast enough given his natural running instincts.

If Gore is 100%, and it's a big if, he could be this year's biggest fantasy sleeper. Gore's biggest competition won't come from Barlow...it will come from himself.

That said....

Rushing: 1080 yards 7 TD's

Receiving: 300 yards 1 TD

But there is definitely upside here for more.....

I also live in South Florida and have my whole life.Willis McGahee was the best I ever saw at UM. With that though Gore has never even looked the same since both his knees went. Couple that with his shoulders and you have a very hyped player that will let down a lot of people who are reaching on him too early in dynasty drafts ( I have seen him go as early as the 6th round!!).

I do not believe Gore will ever be durable enough for the NFL grind. Nor do I see him even beating out Kevan Barlow who looked great in 2003, had a very pedestrian 2004. 2005 that team was a nightmare and Barlow was playing on a bum knee.

I don't think either back is worth much more than a borderline RB3 solid RB4/bye week fill in.

Of the 2 Barlow has a much better shot at busting out in Norv Turners scheme which calls for a pass catcher and Barlow is a much better RB in that regard, plus he can really run strong into the pile when he wants to play hard. I think he will this season.

Barlow - 300 Carries - 1100 yards 5 TD's 35 rec for 275 Yards

Gore- 150 Carries 500 Yards 3 TD's 10 receptions 40 Yards

That is how I see it at this point.

Good stuff here

Aside from the obvious Barlow issue, I really like his projection of 450 carries just between two backs for a team that ran the ball 428 times last year total.

 

[TheFanatic]

Prior to the injury....he's probably the most talented running back I have ever seen....and we've had some TERRIFIC backs come out from Miami over the years. Many forget that not for his first season ending injury during his sophomore year....Willis McGahee may never have seen the field....he was that good. I attended the game his senior year of high school for Coral Gables High where he shattered the state record for most yards EVER in a district playoff game. He put up 500 yards rushing in a single game against the then #1ranked team in the state of Florida. Coming out of high school, many down here-myself included-compared the kid's running style to that of Emmitt Smith....only with more speed.

Kid is the victim of horrible luck...both season ending ACL injuries he sufferred in college were both of the "freak" variety where he was barely touched but got a cleat caught in the ground or something of that fashion....

This will be his magical "2nd year removed' from his ACL surgery. In essence...he should be as close to 100% as he will ever be coming into the season. He's lost weight and has regained much of his quickness.

Couple all that with the addition of Norv Turner...who's never been a big RBBC guy and who has a consistent track record of producing solid fantasy running backs within his offensive scheme. One thing is certain here....Barlow sucks. In addition, since neither Barlow or Gore were selected directly by the current staff you have to assume it will be a fair, open competition and the best man will get the job. From a pure talent standpoint, Gore at 90% is better than a completely healthy Barlow. Gore has good hands out of the backfield, is great at blitz pickups, and rarely fumbles. In addition, and probably his best attribute, is his vision between the tackles. Gore at 100% is a PHENOMENAL cut-back runner who posses the vision necessary to gain the tough yards inside.

The biggest question is....now that he's finally healthy (knee-wise) and has lost the weight...how much of his speed will he be able to recapture. He was never a "burner"....but he did arrive at Miami as a 4.5 guy....which is fast enough given his natural running instincts.

If Gore is 100%, and it's a big if, he could be this year's biggest fantasy sleeper. Gore's biggest competition won't come from Barlow...it will come from himself.

That said....

Rushing: 1080 yards 7 TD's

Receiving: 300 yards 1 TD

But there is definitely upside here for more.....

I also live in South Florida and have my whole life.Willis McGahee was the best I ever saw at UM. With that though Gore has never even looked the same since both his knees went. Couple that with his shoulders and you have a very hyped player that will let down a lot of people who are reaching on him too early in dynasty drafts ( I have seen him go as early as the 6th round!!).

I do not believe Gore will ever be durable enough for the NFL grind. Nor do I see him even beating out Kevan Barlow who looked great in 2003, had a very pedestrian 2004. 2005 that team was a nightmare and Barlow was playing on a bum knee.

I don't think either back is worth much more than a borderline RB3 solid RB4/bye week fill in.

Of the 2 Barlow has a much better shot at busting out in Norv Turners scheme which calls for a pass catcher and Barlow is a much better RB in that regard, plus he can really run strong into the pile when he wants to play hard. I think he will this season.

Barlow - 300 Carries - 1100 yards 5 TD's 35 rec for 275 Yards

Gore- 150 Carries 500 Yards 3 TD's 10 receptions 40 Yards

That is how I see it at this point.

Good stuff here

Aside from the obvious Barlow issue, I really like his projection of 450 carries just between two backs for a team that ran the ball 428 times last year total.

With an improved O-Line, Norv Turner as the OC, and QB that should turn the ball over less in 2006, I can see that number being even higher this year. I think San Fran needs to play ball control offense to be competitive. Their D isn't going to scare anyone and neither will their receivers. They have to pound the ball and they brought in just the guy to institure that program in Turner....

 

[CalBear]

BUMP...So what stats does everybody predict now?

IF he plays 16 games, he's this year's LaMont Jordan.1100 yds rush/ 10 TDs~50 receptions/ 400 yds rec/ 2 TDs.

All the running backs on the team combined had just 9 TDs last year; no back had more than 3. Why do you expect Gore to get 4 times as many TDs as any back on the team got in 2005?

 

[lod2005]

BUMP...So what stats does everybody predict now?

IF he plays 16 games, he's this year's LaMont Jordan.1100 yds rush/ 10 TDs~50 receptions/ 400 yds rec/ 2 TDs.

All the running backs on the team combined had just 9 TDs last year; no back had more than 3. Why do you expect Gore to get 4 times as many TDs as any back on the team got in 2005?

Because his name is FRANK GORE.

 

[LawFitz]

BUMP...So what stats does everybody predict now?

IF he plays 16 games, he's this year's LaMont Jordan.1100 yds rush/ 10 TDs~50 receptions/ 400 yds rec/ 2 TDs.

All the running backs on the team combined had just 9 TDs last year; no back had more than 3. Why do you expect Gore to get 4 times as many TDs as any back on the team got in 2005?

Because his name is FRANK GORE.

Simple as that. Talent wise GORE >>>>> Barlow/Hicks, etc.The OLine should be better and the QB should be better. I just can't imagine Alex Smith being any worse than last year.Gore is a slower McGahee. Big, strong, determined, good vision, good hands. And IMO at the margin, speed is overrated relative to these other RB qualities.Add in Norv's history with Fantasy RBs and i like the kid this year AS LONG AS HE IS HEALTHY.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Terry Allen (Vikings, Redskins) had surgery to both knees and did quite well.

I'm just sayin'.

 

[switz]

All the running backs on the team combined had just 9 TDs last year; no back had more than 3. Why do you expect Gore to get 4 times as many TDs as any back on the team got in 2005?

The 49ers team should be much improved from last year. Hence it is reaonable to conclude that they will be in a position far more often to rush for TDs.In addition, since one RB will be the focus of the running game, that RB will likely perform better. As many backs say they get better as the game goes on.It is very reasonable to expect that Gore will put up very respectable RB2 numbers