Running back Frank Gore just completed his best season since his 2006 campaign. But as the running back gets closer to the age of 30, the 49ers cannot afford to have him continue to handle the bulk of the carries in 2012.
Looking back at his 2011 season, Gore played extremely well during the middle of the season which included five straight games of at least 100 yards rushing. In total, he had 1,211 yards rushing on 282 carries last year.
However, towards the end of the season, his carries started to lessen and it was apparent that he was really nicked up from the injuries sustained during the season.
Backup running back Kendall Hunter had a pretty solid rookie campaign. He had 473 yards on 112 carries. And more importantly, he provided nearly the same amount of yards per carry that Gore did. Hunter had a 4.2 average and Gore had a 4.3 average.
What made Hunter a bigger threat was that he was more explosive in the passing game. Gore only had 17 receptions and Hunter had 16. But Hunter's breakaway speed provided the offense with bigger passing plays.
Looking at these two backs, the 49ers might be forced to have Gore and Hunter split more carries in 2012. In order to keep Gore fresh for the late stretch run, Hunter will be given a bigger workload.
What will be interesting to look at is if the 49ers are ready to let Hunter become the more full-time back for the future. Gore will be 29 when the season begins and it could very well be a potential sign of his decline. He did have a strong 2011 season, but can he continue that?
Gore is a downhill runner while Hunter excels outside the tackles. At least for the 2012 season, it may come to where both backs are a 1-2 punch instead of Gore getting 200-plus carries. The versatility in both skill sets might be what the 49ers are looking for in the upcoming season.
The 49ers may also be looking to add another running back to the roster for depth purposes. Anthony Dixon has not been extremely effective as a running back but provides a solid presence on special teams. Could the 49ers want to add a more versatile back? That's another option to ponder this offseason.
If the 49ers are looking for a healthier Gore, his workload will decrease this upcoming season. Gore's shown that he was able to handle it this past year, but getting Hunter more carries could mean for a stronger rushing presence if the 49ers make it back to the playoffs.
Comments