Healthy Gore brings big possibilities

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Frank Gore took one step, and before he took the second, a hole opened wide in front of him. Through high powered binoculars you just about could see his facial expression change from poker player to utter shock as a lane parted big enough to accommodate a large armored vehicle.

Since Gore is built like one, he obliged. Gore is listed at 217 pounds but he's more Ford than Lamborghini. Still, he can run and did on this play against Oakland for 49 yards. A few of the Raiders defenders bounced off Gore like he was covered in something slick, but that's Gore. He lowers those shoulders and makes the best tackler look impotent.

Gore was pushed out of bounds, and once back in the huddle, he started to dance. It was some sort of James Brown type deal or maybe Eddie Murphy imitating James Brown. Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle ... on the toes ... skip, skip, skip. Since Gore previously had missed all of preseason (that was his first carry) he seemed ecstatic just to be on the field.

"I felt like a kid out there," he said.

A big kid. A very big kid.

"I don't know how many yards I'll rush for (this season)," Gore said. "I'm not thinking that way. I just wouldn't sleep on this team. We might surprise some people."

Or to put it better, Gore might surprise some people.

Tennessee's Chris Johnson has received all of the 2,000-yard plus attention particularly after Johnson recently noted he wants to rush for 2,500 yards this year. (There is a better chance Paris Hilton becomes president.)

Gore has skipped stealthily under the running back radar but some in football believe it is Gore -- not Johnson or others -- who will end up as the best statistical monster at his position this season.

Gore has an injury history -- at times he's been more Gore Vidal than Gore the Bull -- so the 49ers, painfully aware of this, have protected him this preseason as Gore has barely played. The team's philosophy of hibernating Gore was justified with that beautiful run. He's being saved for what the team hopes will be a huge year, and they're probably right.

What helps Gore is the scenery around him has changed in the past few years. Quarterback Alex Smith still is borderline competent but the 49ers offense finally has at least a semblance of weapons for Gore and Smith to work with. The muscular tight end, Vernon Davis, is top five at his position and Michael Crabtree has a chance to be a solid player. The offensive line also is much more solidified.

If the 49ers do find that their offensive options have expanded, teams will find it more difficult to focus the abundance of artillery on Gore, making it easier for Gore to do his running thing.

Gore's potential is frightening. In 2008 he became the first runner in 49ers history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in three straight seasons, and this is a franchise that had Roger Craig. Gore holds the 49ers' season mark (1,695 yards in 2006).

The only thing that's hindered Gore is injury -- and assortment of broken bones, ankle tweaks and other ailments which have slowed him over the years and kept him from reaching the Johnson or Adrian Peterson level.

This year might be different.

"Let's hope you're right," Gore said, smiling.

"Injuries happen to running backs," he added, "but I feel as healthy as ever. I'm ready to go."

It was only against Oakland but if his brief but brilliant night against them was any indication, the Raiders won't be the only team Gore bashes.

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(cbssports.com)