49ers' Most Effective Plays in '08

(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

I will Gore you with great Rathman.

In 2008, the most effective plays for the San Francisco 49ers were to run Frank Gore left, Gore up the middle, and Gore to the right.

Most of the runs came out of single back set. Often, there was shifting going on before the snap—tight ends stepping into the backfield, backs splitting out wide.

The offense was fun to watch.

In passing, there was success all over the field. It wasn’t consistent enough, though. They had a lot of success coming out, shifting players at the line, then using a tricky snap count to catch the defense unaware with the quick pass. That was an effective play over the course of the season.  

I was never comfortable with the formation shifts that the 49ers made during games last season. The main reason is because of Vernon Davis and his inability to keep ice water in his veins. However, the formation shifts were part of Martz’s madness and I can’t question that because at least his offense was fun to watch. I would prefer Martz any day as opposed to a revolving door policy at offensive coordinator.

A part of me finds great comfort in knowing that Tom Rathman has returned to the 49ers organization as a running backs coach.

I can’t wait.

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