The San Francisco 49ers are 1-2 to start a season where they are predicted to be playing in the Super Bowl come February. While the slow start does not have that goal on freezer burn, it has left several players tossing around blame for what is going wrong.
The 49ers were upset by the Indianapolis Colts at home on Sunday. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick struggled for the second game in a row, putting up a mere 150 yards passing on 27 attempts. Those numbers are small compared to what he has become known for. As the defense struggled to contain the Colts, the 49ers run game looked even worse.
Frank Gore had 11 carries the entire game. After pulling in two catches for 21 yards, Gore ended the day with 13 touchdowns on the ball with 103 yards of total offense. Most of that work happened in the first half of the game as Gore only touched the ball four times in the second half. This did not exactly have him please.
Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports Gore had "choice words" for Harbaugh following the end of the game. The running back did not directly admit to the confrontation after the game, but his frustrations were obvious.
"When things are not going right you get frustrated," Gore said. "But, I think the game kind of got different in the second half and we had to do what we had to do, just throw the ball. And that's what it was."
Gore's lackluster game and start to the season cannot be solely placed on Harbaugh. Fantasy owners beware; right now things are not looking good. The 49ers made a point to say they were going to emphasize the power run game that best suits Gore's style. Lately, the team has been the read option offense with the running back and opposing defenses are shutting that down. However, the down-field rushing attack also went nowhere, meaning Gore should be headed off many fantasy rosters this week.
Gore is the new Rashard Mendenhall of fantasy football. He is the top rusher for the 49ers, but he no longer helps dictate the offense. Instead, he is running, but not scoring touchdowns and not getting owners any points. As Kaepernick struggles, Gore struggles even more. Take the warning, dump the running back.
