49ers’ Gore chasing the big one

By Adam Levy  |   Tuesday, June 26, 2007  |  Comments( 41 )

San Francisco 49ers
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Frank Gore is on a mission.

After a memorable 2006 season in which he racked up 2,190 total yards (1,695 rushing, 495 receiving), the third-year running back has set his sights on Eric Dickerson's 23-year-old single-season rushing record -- at least 2,106 yards, to be exact.

"I always want to do better than what I did last year," Gore said this past April, according to CBS. "I know that's a big number. I'm going to try to get it. I will work hard this offseason. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't."

Word has it he is even trimmed about 10 pounds from his frame to gain more speed for those breakaway runs. And don't mistake his goal as part of a free agency-inspired contact drive -- Gore was well taken care of by the Niners this offseason, inking a four-year, $28 million deal that ensures he is set for life, unless Cecil Fielder is his financial adviser.

That being said, here are the four things Gore needs to do if there is to be any chance of his lofty goal being fulfilled during the upcoming season:

Stay healthy - Not exactly the easiest thing to do for a running back, let alone one who took a real pounding last year. Gore's health has been up and down in the past, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the cumulative workload catch up to him sometime this season.

Spoil the big guys - It is customary for running backs to shower their brawny linemen with lavish presents after a season's worth of thankless blocking. Gore may need to pay it forward and shell some out of his new contract to buy the big guys a fleet of top-line automobiles as an inspiration for the grunt work they are about to do for him.

Hope the passing game clicks - If Gore is to have any chance of making this thing happen, he's going to need some open lanes. Quarterback Alex Smith has some nice options at wideout, including Darrell Jackson, Ashley Lelie and Arnaz Battle. Last year the Niners' top receiver was Gore, who led the team with 61 catches.

Pray - He's going to need as much good karma as he can to come even close to Dickerson's mark. Extra time with the team chaplain can only help his cause.

All in all, Gore faces a heck of a challenge that will take the perfect storm of stars aligning to bring to fruition. It's highly unlikely that it would happen, but at this time of year anything is possible. All he can do is try. And hey, 2,105 yards wouldn't be that bad.

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