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(AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
After Monday's impressive performance, 49ers running back Frank Gore was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. His 167 rushing yards helped propel the 49ers to a 24-9 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Gore totaled 104 yards on the ground in the first half on 13 carries and scored the team's last touchdown to seal the victory.
This is the fifth time Gore has won this award. He won this honor in Week 2 against Seattle.
This came as a surprise to me since Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson also had a very impressive game (6 catches, 178 yards, 1 touchdown catch and a 72-yard touchdown punt return) in the Eagles win over the Giants. But I am glad Gore won.
In recent weeks, Gore has seen minimal carries at running back and looked to be an afterthought in the offense. With Monday's balanced attack, the team might have finally found the perfect fit for Gore in the offense.
When I asked Gore about the sudden change in offense, he said that he approached the staff about his role with the team earlier in the week.
"Thanks to Jimmy Raye!" Gore said as offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye walked by us.
Gore was grateful for the opportunity Raye had given him. Raye had been under scrutiny for the unerusge of the running game in the offense for the past several weeks. But it looks like the team has figured out their balance for the offense.
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The final 49ers home game on December 27 against the Detroit Lions has been designated as Fan Appreciation Day. All fans in attendance can win prizes throughout the day. Here is the official press release from the team.
Santa Clara, Calif., – The San Francisco 49ers announced today they will hold their annual Fan Appreciation Day on December 27, 2009, when the team faces the Detroit Lions at Candlestick Park.
All 49ers Faithful in attendance will receive a Scratch-and-Win card upon entry with the chance to win exciting prizes. Every fan in the stadium will win something!
“We know how important our fans are to the success of the franchise. This is one small way we are showing our thanks,” 49ers Chief Operating Officer Andy Dolich said. “Every single member of the 49ers family is grateful for the unwavering support of the 49ers Faithful.”
49ers Fan Appreciation Day prizes include:
· 2010 Season Tickets
· A Samsung prize pack with a DVD player & TL220 Digital Camera
· 2-night stay from the Resort at Squaw Creek, ski lift tickets & a free rental from Avis
· Coke Zero HugMe blankets
· 24 Hour Fitness 7-day passes
· Papa Murphy’s free medium pizza coupon
· Prize baskets worth $500 each from SanDisk
· Cell phones from Motorola & Sprint
· Autographed items from top 49ers players
· 49ers merchandise discounts
· And much more!
Comments
Well, Jackson's return shouldn't help him for OFFENSIVE player of the week, but I know what you're saying—he actually had more yards. Guess we know Gore is making the 1000-yard mark barring injury now, eh? (Needs just 55/game.)
That is true. But Jackson did have a great game. I would have counted his return TD, but I guess he only has to score on the offensive side of the ball.
Now the 1,000-yard thing is now reachable because of the team deciding to give Gore the ball more. I didn't see it being so balanced (36 pass, 36 run) on Monday.
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