RB Kendall Hunter (1 Viewer)

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

I wonder if SF is second-guessing their new 3-year contract with Gore?

It's partially the crappy offense/offensive line, but anyone who has watched Gore so far this season has got to realize that he just isn't the same RB. Kendall Hunter has the 'it' factor, and some believe he's going to start getting more carries. Hunter was a pretty neat little RB in college, and he's been compared to Brian Westbrook.

Gore's only perceived value in fantasy football so far this season has been that he was guaranteed to get nearly all the carries, but that may not be the case, so his value may take a further hit.

What kind of value do you place on Hunter now, compared to Gore in fantasy football? Has Hunter's blocking/receiving improved enough to suggest he can be the featured RB going into next season?

 

[eaglesfan7]

He has a chance to break out if Gore doesn't suit up next week. I'm hoping Hunter is the sleeper running back of the year.

 

[steelwind]

SF will never start Hunter over Gore. Gore has an extension through 2014 and he is guaranteed 14 million dollars. You do not pay a backup RB anywhere close to that type of money. Gore will always be the starting RB and get the bulk of carries no matter how well Hunter plays. Gore has been the franchise running back for SF. And the owner/coaching staff will always try to play him for stadium seating and market profit. They will make Gore earn his money.

I understand that you "wish" Hunter will take over and get the majority of carries. Perhaps you have him stashed on your bench. Sorry but the 49ers do not care about your fantasy team. Gore is their guy and it will be that way until 2014. Whether he rushes for 2 ypc or 5 ypc. Gore will get the majority of carries.

 

[butcher boy]

Hunter is a liability in pass protection.

 

[eaglesfan7]

SF will never start Hunter over Gore. Gore has an extension through 2014 and he is guaranteed 14 million dollars. You do not pay a backup RB anywhere close to that type of money. Gore will always be the starting RB and get the bulk of carries no matter how well Hunter plays. Gore has been the franchise running back for SF. And the owner/coaching staff will always try to play him for stadium seating and market profit. They will make Gore earn his money.I understand that you "wish" Hunter will take over and get the majority of carries. Perhaps you have him stashed on your bench. Sorry but the 49ers do not care about your fantasy team. Gore is their guy and it will be that way until 2014. Whether he rushes for 2 ypc or 5 ypc. Gore will get the majority of carries.

I never said that the 49ers care about my fantasy team. They are currently 2-1, whether it's a fluke or not, and will play to win in an open division. If Gore sits this upcoming Sunday, Hunter goes off for 100 plus yards and a couple of touchdowns and the 49ers win the game they WILL play the kid. Winning!

 

[Ladsud]

I understand that you "wish" Hunter will take over and get the majority of carries. Perhaps you have him stashed on your bench. Sorry but the 49ers do not care about your fantasy team. Gore is their guy and it will be that way until 2014. Whether he rushes for 2 ypc or 5 ypc. Gore will get the majority of carries.

If Gore is still a starting RB at age 31 it will be pretty clear the 49ers dont care about there own team as well.

 

[Lester Long]

Until teams get afriad of the passing game in S.F. not gonna be alot of room to run in S.F. for any of their backs.

 

[eaglesfan7]

SF will never start Hunter over Gore. Gore has an extension through 2014 and he is guaranteed 14 million dollars. You do not pay a backup RB anywhere close to that type of money. Gore will always be the starting RB and get the bulk of carries no matter how well Hunter plays. Gore has been the franchise running back for SF. And the owner/coaching staff will always try to play him for stadium seating and market profit. They will make Gore earn his money.I understand that you "wish" Hunter will take over and get the majority of carries. Perhaps you have him stashed on your bench. Sorry but the 49ers do not care about your fantasy team. Gore is their guy and it will be that way until 2014. Whether he rushes for 2 ypc or 5 ypc. Gore will get the majority of carries.

Like DeAngelo Williams?

 

[LittlePhatty]

Sorry but the 49ers do not care about your fantasy team.

Are you really sorry?

 

[Ghost of Bill Walsh]

Until teams get afriad of the passing game in S.F. not gonna be alot of room to run in S.F. for any of their backs.

Solid truth. It won't matter if Al Gore is the running back if they don't get a passing game people have to respect.

 

[steelwind]

I understand that you "wish" Hunter will take over and get the majority of carries. Perhaps you have him stashed on your bench. Sorry but the 49ers do not care about your fantasy team. Gore is their guy and it will be that way until 2014. Whether he rushes for 2 ypc or 5 ypc. Gore will get the majority of carries.

If Gore is still a starting RB at age 31 it will be pretty clear the 49ers dont care about there own team as well.

Alex Smith is still the starting QB. Gore will be the starting RB at age 31. They gave him the extension and that's the plan. Hunter is not going to over take that spot this year. If you can't read between the lines of "14 million" guaranteed money then you are a not a good fantasy football manager.

 

[steelwind]

SF will never start Hunter over Gore. Gore has an extension through 2014 and he is guaranteed 14 million dollars. You do not pay a backup RB anywhere close to that type of money. Gore will always be the starting RB and get the bulk of carries no matter how well Hunter plays. Gore has been the franchise running back for SF. And the owner/coaching staff will always try to play him for stadium seating and market profit. They will make Gore earn his money.I understand that you "wish" Hunter will take over and get the majority of carries. Perhaps you have him stashed on your bench. Sorry but the 49ers do not care about your fantasy team. Gore is their guy and it will be that way until 2014. Whether he rushes for 2 ypc or 5 ypc. Gore will get the majority of carries.

Like DeAngelo Williams?

Yes like DeAngelo Williams.

 

[eaglesfan7]

I understand that you "wish" Hunter will take over and get the majority of carries. Perhaps you have him stashed on your bench. Sorry but the 49ers do not care about your fantasy team. Gore is their guy and it will be that way until 2014. Whether he rushes for 2 ypc or 5 ypc. Gore will get the majority of carries.

If Gore is still a starting RB at age 31 it will be pretty clear the 49ers dont care about there own team as well.

Alex Smith is still the starting QB. Gore will be the starting RB at age 31. They gave him the extension and that's the plan. Hunter is not going to over take that spot this year. If you can't read between the lines of "14 million" guaranteed money then you are a not a good fantasy football manager.

Again, see DWill.

 

[FavreCo]

Does Gore look slower thatn before? Watched some runs and he definately has no where to go. That's for sure. I think they are using him wrong too. Once back in 2007 they brought n a consultant to help the green as grass new OC who sucked. 200 total yards, 11 catches.

 

[oldmoney]

Until teams get afriad of the passing game in S.F. not gonna be alot of room to run in S.F. for any of their backs.

As far as I recall, SF hasn't had a viable passing attack since Garcia. And yet Gore has put up good numbers over the past 5 years with no real threat from the QB position. How has this changed this season? (honest question, SF is waay off my radar at the moment)

 

[butcher boy]

Until teams get afriad of the passing game in S.F. not gonna be alot of room to run in S.F. for any of their backs.

As far as I recall, SF hasn't had a viable passing attack since Garcia. And yet Gore has put up good numbers over the past 5 years with no real threat from the QB position. How has this changed this season? (honest question, SF is waay off my radar at the moment)

The offensive line is pretty bad this year but Gore looks worse too. He's just not hitting the holes like he used to.AS a homer, I was not a fan of the big extension they gave Gore. This is a guy whose had both of his knees practically reconstructed. As such, he's going to wear down quicker than other backs. As I said before though, Hunter is a liability in other aspects of the game so far. They still need Gore in there to pick up blitzes and for pass protection.

 

[steelwind]

Until teams get afriad of the passing game in S.F. not gonna be alot of room to run in S.F. for any of their backs.

As far as I recall, SF hasn't had a viable passing attack since Garcia. And yet Gore has put up good numbers over the past 5 years with no real threat from the QB position. How has this changed this season? (honest question, SF is waay off my radar at the moment)

Still the same 49ers to me. But if Crabtree can get himself back on track then there's hope for Gore. Gore is still one of the rare RBs in the league who will be given the majority of carries. That has always made him top 15. But someone started this post saying that Kendall Hunter will eat into his carries like Carolina with DWill and JStew. Hell no. Hunter is merely a handcuff. He can't even block.

 

[5Rings]

Until teams get afriad of the passing game in S.F. not gonna be alot of room to run in S.F. for any of their backs.

Solid truth. It won't matter if Al Gore is the running back if they don't get a passing game people have to respect.

Hunter had a success on a few runs outside the tackles. He's a better outside runner than Frank right now. Gore had a tough game against Cinci picking up blitzes, catching, and running...but he remains superior in the passing game and between the tackles, which is what this joke of an OL was built for. I won't highjack with my opinion of Rachal, Goodwin and Co.For Steelwill's fantasy team, I'd say Frank is a buylow in redrafts. See, I care

 

[steelwind]

Until teams get afriad of the passing game in S.F. not gonna be alot of room to run in S.F. for any of their backs.

Solid truth. It won't matter if Al Gore is the running back if they don't get a passing game people have to respect.

Hunter had a success on a few runs outside the tackles. He's a better outside runner than Frank right now. Gore had a tough game against Cinci picking up blitzes, catching, and running...but he remains superior in the passing game and between the tackles, which is what this joke of an OL was built for.For Steelwill's fantasy team, I'd say Frank is a buylow in redrafts. See, I care

Oh no you're wrong about that. I do NOT have Frank Gore on my team. He burned me two years ago after going down with an injury. I've stayed away since.

 

[JamesTheScot]

I understand that you "wish" Hunter will take over and get the majority of carries. Perhaps you have him stashed on your bench. Sorry but the 49ers do not care about your fantasy team. Gore is their guy and it will be that way until 2014. Whether he rushes for 2 ypc or 5 ypc. Gore will get the majority of carries.

If Gore is still a starting RB at age 31 it will be pretty clear the 49ers dont care about there own team as well.

Alex Smith is still the starting QB. Gore will be the starting RB at age 31. They gave him the extension and that's the plan. Hunter is not going to over take that spot this year. If you can't read between the lines of "14 million" guaranteed money then you are a not a good fantasy football manager.

I don't disagree with your prediction, but it's not because of your rationale for that prediction. Gore will keep starting because he'll give the team the best chance to win. But if you don't realize that what the front office thinks when they ink that deal isn't guaranteed to be what the front office thinks a month from now, then you don't understand much. If Hunter gives the team a better chance to win, he'll start. All that money they paid Gore means is that when they inked that deal they thought Gore was and would continue to be the man. But that's exactly the kind of thinking that changes based in the latest and most up to date data.San Fran doesn't need Gore to sell tickets, they need wins. And if Hunter can deliver those, then Gore will earn his money riding the pine. The payroll checks cost the same whether it's a win or a loss. They're going to opt for the win side of that coin.

 

[Ping Pong]

SF will never start Hunter over Gore. Gore has an extension through 2014 and he is guaranteed 14 million dollars. You do not pay a backup RB anywhere close to that type of money. Gore will always be the starting RB and get the bulk of carries no matter how well Hunter plays. Gore has been the franchise running back for SF. And the owner/coaching staff will always try to play him for stadium seating and market profit. They will make Gore earn his money.

I understand that you "wish" Hunter will take over and get the majority of carries. Perhaps you have him stashed on your bench. Sorry but the 49ers do not care about your fantasy team. Gore is their guy and it will be that way until 2014. Whether he rushes for 2 ypc or 5 ypc. Gore will get the majority of carries.

This is false. Gore basically only got a $2 million dollar raise from what his previous contract was. His original contract already included the 4.9 million he's making this year. The extension got him a guaranteed $2 million for next year. The 3.3 million he's "guaranteed" in 2013 and 2014 are only guaranteed against injury, not skill. That means the niners can cut him if they decide his talent has dropped off. Source: http://www.csnbayarea.com/09/02/11/Gores-new-contract-includes-no-risks-for/l_49ers.html?blockID=558206It's pretty clear, watching every niners game and obsessively reading niner articles, that Gore isn't showing the same burst as Hunter, and Hunter is playing himself in for more playing time. Now, will Hunter replace Gore as the starter? Not anytime soon, mostly because of his issues in pass protection. But he is definitely going to start eating into his carries and snaps because he's too electric to keep off the field. And with Gore hobbled, I expect to see even more of Hunter in the next few weeks.

Edit: Someone also mentioned running styles, and this is true. Gore has always been an inside, power runner who ran for contact. This means that he would find a hole, run through it, and then run through the second level tacklers, picking up extra yards even through small holes. However, due to terrible o-line play and maybe some loss of power (that's speculation on my part), it's just not getting done anymore. You don't see Gore going into a pile and falling forward out of it anymore, you see him stopped in his tracks at the line of scrimmage. Hunter's success is generally on outside runs and in space, so the niners would be wise to use him that way for now, like some of the other smaller RBs in the league, like Jahvid Best or McCoy. He's doing no better on inside runs, so that's most likely the o-line's fault, and it doesn't look like the line is going to improve much.

 

[sjslacker]

A little more detail on Gore's extension this summer. Seems the Niners are not as locked in with Gore as the numbers would indicate.

http://blogs.nfl.com/2011/09/02/gores-contract-with-49ers-lack-guarantees/

Jason La Canfora

Gore’s contract with 49ers lacks guarantees

Jason La Canfora

By Jason La Canfora |

Published: September 2nd, 2011 | Tags: Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

Frank Gore this week signed a three-year contract extension that’s worth a maximum of $21 million — this in a climate where netting a new deal of any sort for a 29-year-old running back is difficult at best. But the details of Gore’s pact with the 49ers point out just how stark the market forces are for NFL running backs as years and injuries mount.

Getting big money for a third time (this is Gore’s third contract; he last renegotiated in 2007) is nearly impossible, as the game becomes more pass-oriented, as running backs become more interchangeable and as elite playmakers at other positions continue to grab increasingly high shares of salary-cap space.

Gore has been productive throughout his career. He had hoped to get somewhere in the neighborhood of the $21 million guaranteed deal DeAngelo Williams received from the Panthers this offseason. But Williams, younger and on his second contract, isn’t comparable in this case, and Gore’s deal bears that out.

Gore’s deal includes injury guarantees but not skill guarantees, giving the 49ers great flexibility from year to year. And he didn’t receive any new upfront money in 2011, according to sources. The 49ers could in fact release him based on diminishing production at various times during this season — or the later campaigns covered under the three-year extension — and owe him no guaranteed money.

Gore has base salaries of $2 million in 2012 and $3.3 million in 2013 and again in 2014. The 2012 and 2013 salaries are guaranteed for injury but not skill. Gore could receive a maximum of $6 million in 2012 if he achieves various roster bonuses (including $1 million at the start of the new league year and workout bonuses but, again, if he is released prior to those points for skill, none of that is guaranteed).

Gore also has roster bonuses in 2013 and 2014 and workout and performance bonuses (based on achieving the lofty figure of 1,625 combined rushing and receiving yards), but as a 29-year-old running back facing injury concerns, he didn’t receive much full long-term security from this deal.

The 49ers could get out of the contract relatively easily each year with no real cap ramifications, and the totals of this deal reflect the realities for backs in this league as they approach age 30. The lack of full guarantees point to that.

From Gore’s standpoint, he gets to stay with the only team he has played for and finish his career as a 49er. He remains where he can be productive and perform as a featured back, which is no longer the norm with many teams.

In the short term, Gore could receive $6 million in 2012, at age 30, including bonuses, which actually would be more take-home money then he accrues in 2011. And if he stays productive and hits incentives, he could increase those figures in the final two years of the deal.

 

[LittlePhatty]

Solid info, Ping Pong and sjslacker. Thanks for bringing it!

 

[Hendo]

Hunter has been the most explosive back on SF since the preseason. That is evident, it doesn't guarantee him the starting gig but hats not what is obvious. Kendall Hunter is a great stash and wait dynasty player to own right now and has been since rookie drafts(everyone could see this). The only thing i can technically predict is he gets more shares of the pie from here on out then what he had (which was nothing) and his real task to garner more shares is to improve with pass blocking which every rookie RB needs to do.

Frank Gores value continues to go south whether people believe hes a buy low or not the writing is on the wall here.

 

[ponchsox]

Hunter isn't starting unless Gore is out with an injury. I can see a 70/30 split in carries. Even so, is the Niners offense good enough to give either one of them many scoring chances? I would rather stash someone like Stevan Ridley who can be a #1 this year on a potent offense.

 

[Dawg Pound 69]

Solid info, Ping Pong and sjslacker. Thanks for bringing it!

+1. Saved the thread by bringing solid facts and analysis. Great job you two.

 

[T with T]

Solid info, Ping Pong and sjslacker. Thanks for bringing it!

+1. Saved the thread by bringing solid facts and analysis. Great job you two.

If Gore Misses the game this week, Get Hunter in your line ups as a rb2,flex

 

[BallparkFrank]

Hunter is a liability in pass protection.

Having seen every Niners game this year, I don't think it's a stretch to say that Hunter has actually been better in pass pro than Gore thus far.

 

[Gopher State]

So Gore is averaging 2.5 yards per rush and Hunter is averaging 2.7 yards per rush. Houston I think we have some problems here other then RB's performance

 

[BallparkFrank]

So Gore is averaging 2.5 yards per rush and Hunter is averaging 2.7 yards per rush. Houston I think we have some problems here other then RB's performance

I agree, lots of problems here. Stats can be misleading when comparing the 2 backs, though. 3 of Hunter's carries came when the Niners were running out the clock and they just ran it right up the middle of a stacked defense. Gore still deserves the starting job, but even since preseason, it's clear to see that Hunter is playing at a different level and speed than Gore. I also subscribe to the theory that the Niners offense is horrendous for any hopes of generating fantasy value this year. It's encouraging to see that Rachal was replaced by Snyder, though, certainly can't hurt the backs.

 

[FavreCo]

So Gore is averaging 2.5 yards per rush and Hunter is averaging 2.7 yards per rush. Houston I think we have some problems here other then RB's performance

Way to pop that Hunter bubble. Hunter is an explosive 2.7 ypc.

 

[Hendo]

How many carries does hunter have total? 10? Just last game I saw them run him up the gut to close it out. I wouldn't let that 2.7 per carry have merit at all, the eyeball test is more telling. If he does start next week and he's at 2.7 then we can talk.

 

[theoneandonly]

If gore a guy who has averaged over 4.5ypc through his career cant average 3ypc doubt Hunter is gonna do much better.

The 49ers run game has 2 problems right now.

1.No holes to run through whatsoever

2. No fear of the passing game because the qb and wrs suck which leads to defenses stacking the box.

Unless Hunter has DMC or ADP talent I just do not see him doing much better then Gore.

 

[the spanker]

If gore a guy who has averaged over 4.5ypc through his career cant average 3ypc doubt Hunter is gonna do much better. The 49ers run game has 2 problems right now. 1.No holes to run through whatsoever2. No fear of the passing game because the qb and wrs suck which leads to defenses stacking the box. Unless Hunter has DMC or ADP talent I just do not see him doing much better then Gore.

This I do agree with.

 

[Gabbo88]

Gore is fine Harbaugh said "he's good to go for Sunday" not sure the Kendall Hunter era will begin anytime soon due to Gore's contract, I don't think he's has healthy as he tried to make everyone believe to start the season and the injury after the Cinci game seemed more like an excuse performing so poorly IMO. Looks like he suckered the San Fran suites to give him a contract though LOL

 

[hotdogcollars]

i'll throw in my 0.02 here...it seems that teams are paying RBs based on what they have already done and not on what they might (or will) do.

I don't know if it's a shift in tactics for teams trying to negotiate with the next young, stud RB. Or maybe it's just a result of teams knowing there is a salary floor coming soon.

Whatever the reason, I don't think teams are all that concerned about benching or cutting a high paid RB when they are no longer worth the roster/starting spot

 

[Gabbo88]

But it's the coach that plays the player not the suites, look at the Ced Bed situation , is it wasn't for a looming suspension Marvin Lewis and the Cinci suites wouldn't even know Scott existed on is roster and so seems the case with Gore and Harbaugh, Some coaches are very loyal when it comes to their the veteran rbs, Harbaugh is already covering for him. Harbaugh is a Gore guy, if he thought highly of Hunter it would have been closer to a committee in San Fran.

 

[mdlane]

My mind says no. My gut says yes. I think best case scenario is Hunter/Gore eventually evolves into a 60/40 touch split like Bradshaw/Jacobs. I don't think this week was a trigger to that kind of relationship, though. But it feels close - like a few games, close. And it might actually be the best thing for Gore's longevity if his pride can handle it.

 

[cvnpoka]

Gore is fine Harbaugh said "he's good to go for Sunday" not sure the Kendall Hunter era will begin anytime soon due to Gore's contract, I don't think he's has healthy as he tried to make everyone believe to start the season and the injury after the Cinci game seemed more like an excuse performing so poorly IMO. Looks like he suckered the San Fran suites to give him a contract though LOL

lol. how could harbaugh possibly know that.

 

[chinawildman]

I've been watching Gore as a niners fan for a long time, and all I can say after the cincy game is that there is more than meets the eye here... This whole "ankle injury" thing smells. Gore was not himself at all in this game, he made little effort on a blitz pickup resulting in smith getting sacked and when smith handed him the ball in a desperate attempt to avoid the sack gore just stood there with the ball. His body language on the sidelines when Hunter came in on the go ahead drive was awkward as well.

I am a big fan of Frank Gore but I think Harbaugh is in the unenviable position of knowing that his rookie RB is the better runner, but that his veteran RB has alot of pull in the locker room. Gore wants to play every snap, but he needs to realize that his team now can benefit from his ABSENCE on the field. It will only be a matter of time however, before Hunter sees more time. THere is no way Gore is going to continue getting the lion's share of the carries averaging 2.5 ypc.

 

[cobalt_27]

i'll throw in my 0.02 here...it seems that teams are paying RBs based on what they have already done and not on what they might (or will) do.I don't know if it's a shift in tactics for teams trying to negotiate with the next young, stud RB. Or maybe it's just a result of teams knowing there is a salary floor coming soon. Whatever the reason, I don't think teams are all that concerned about benching or cutting a high paid RB when they are no longer worth the roster/starting spot

Coaches play guys based on perceived value to wins, not who makes the most money. Gore will continue to start and earn majority of reps until Harbaugh thinks someone else gives his team a better chance at winning.

 

[chinawildman]

If gore a guy who has averaged over 4.5ypc through his career cant average 3ypc doubt Hunter is gonna do much better.

The 49ers run game has 2 problems right now.

1.No holes to run through whatsoever

2. No fear of the passing game because the qb and wrs suck which leads to defenses stacking the box.

Unless Hunter has DMC or ADP talent I just do not see him doing much better then Gore.

And what if he does do better? Does anyone remember Larry Johnson/Jamaal Charles in 2009? If you adopt a "if he can't do it nobody can" attitude, it will filter out alot of the gems that will win you those playoff games down the stretch.

 

[Ariakis]

2-4 in week one ... 9-26 in week 3. Gore was hurt and Hunter got the RZ carry and ran in through a one of the few wide open holes they've had. I can't see Hunter replacing Gore. I can see Hunter going 18-55-1 and 3-15 receiving if Gore sits.

 

[Gabbo88]

lol@Coaches play guys based on perceived value to wins, not who makes the most money.

 

[gcoast3]

Until teams get afriad of the passing game in S.F. not gonna be alot of room to run in S.F. for any of their backs.

Solid truth. It won't matter if Al Gore is the running back if they don't get a passing game people have to respect.

See above...Hunter has 11 carries for 30 yards and a TD.Alex Smith has thrown for 504 yards in 3 games...nobody respects their passing game.Gore may be slipping a little, but I am not sure anyone can run on that team.

 

[Lester Long]

Until teams get afriad of the passing game in S.F. not gonna be alot of room to run in S.F. for any of their backs.

As far as I recall, SF hasn't had a viable passing attack since Garcia. And yet Gore has put up good numbers over the past 5 years with no real threat from the QB position. How has this changed this season? (honest question, SF is waay off my radar at the moment)

Because the Niners were getting their heads cracked and having to come from behind alot gave Gore running room. this year they have been competetive to the end so teams are stacking the line til the end. let them start getting beat by a couple TD's and watch Gore look good again. with that defense though those games are few and far between.

 

[tdhartis]

This reminds me of the Carnell Williams/Blount debacle at the beginning of last year. Former long-time starter (relative) with tread wearing off, averaging abysmal YPC with new rookie showing promise. I'm not saying their identical, but you see my point. We saw how that turned out.

 

[Gopher State]

This reminds me of the Carnell Williams/Blount debacle at the beginning of last year. Former long-time starter (relative) with tread wearing off, averaging abysmal YPC with new rookie showing promise. I'm not saying their identical, but you see my point. We saw how that turned out.

Reminds me of the Curtis Martin RB Jets a few years back when everyone said CMART had nothing left, how did that turn out

 

[tdhartis]

This reminds me of the Carnell Williams/Blount debacle at the beginning of last year. Former long-time starter (relative) with tread wearing off, averaging abysmal YPC with new rookie showing promise. I'm not saying their identical, but you see my point. We saw how that turned out.

Reminds me of the Curtis Martin RB Jets a few years back when everyone said CMART had nothing left, how did that turn out

You mean the 2004 season when he was averaging 4.57YPC and eclipsed 1600 rushing? The same season his first three games he averaged exactly 5.0YPC and went for 425 yards on the ground. Or are you referring to 2005 when everyone said he was cooked and he actually was (3.34YPC), started his first three games with 2.84YPC and didn't even finish out the season? Please explain to me which one of those applies to the point you were trying to make. If anything his 2005 season is exactly what people are predicting, and the direction Gore is headed (so far), and the 2004 season shares no connections whatsoever since Martin was tearing it up from the very beginning.Edit: Not to mention, Curtis Martin is one of the most durable players in the history of the NFL having missed only four games in his entire career. Frank Gore has only played a full season once (1st season as starter), has a injury history, and is even hurt currently.

 

[loompa17]

This reminds me of the Carnell Williams/Blount debacle at the beginning of last year. Former long-time starter (relative) with tread wearing off, averaging abysmal YPC with new rookie showing promise. I'm not saying their identical, but you see my point. We saw how that turned out.

Blount wasn't a Buccaneer in the preseason. The Bucs scooped him up after Titans released him on September 5, 2010. I don't remember that they picked up this rookie and already he was a threat to start?