Saints vs. 49ers: Why Frank Gore Won't Be Enough for the Niners

The San Francisco 49ers had a phenomenal season in 2011, and that was due in large part to getting a fantastic year out of veteran running back Frank Gore. This season Gore rushed for 1,211 yards and eight touchdowns on 282 carries, and helped the 49ers rank eighth in rushing offense. 

The way San Francisco won games this season was with stout defense and a hard-nosed running game. But on Saturday against the New Orleans Saints, Gore alone won't be enough to carry the Niners to victory.

Gore opened the season looking fantastic, but over the last eight games he has averaged only 53.6 yards per game and scored just three touchdowns. Saturday's contest at Candlestick Park will be his first-ever postseason game, and he will need to step up his production big time.

The 49ers will be facing a Saints team that has won nine-straight games and has what is easily the league's top offense. Led by Drew Brees, New Orleans finished the season ranked first in total offense (467.1 yards per game), first in passing offense (334.2 yards per game), sixth in rushing offense (132.9 yards per game) and second in scoring (34.2 points per game). 

If San Francisco hopes to escape with a win on Saturday, the team will need to generate some offense through the air, as the Saints are sure to score points. Unfortunately for the 49ers, they finished the season ranked 29th in passing offense (183.1 yards per game). That means quarterback Alex Smith will need to step up big time today.

Brees has the Saints offense rolling at a historic level. For the 49ers to have a chance at beating New Orleans, Gore and Smith will both need to step up their production and have outstanding games. That is the only way San Francisco will come away with a win and advance to the NFC title game.