What to Expect from Frank Gore, 49ers Offense in Week 9

The San Francisco 49ers entered their bye coming off of a demoralizing loss to the Denver Broncos. Now, the 49ers are hopefully ready to pick up the pieces, and it starts with this roster getting healthy. 

Will we see Glenn Dorsey, NaVorro Bowman or even Aldon Smith return to the lineup? Probably not, but the 49ers have some key pieces returning, including All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis. 

We all know the defense will eventually return to full health with Bowman and Smith returning to the lineup in a few weeks, but the spotlight should be on the offense in the 49ers' upcoming battle against the St. Louis Rams.

Specifically, the ground attack. 

Colin Kaepernick was sensational in the 49ers' victory over the Rams a few weeks back, but No. 7 received almost nothing from Frank Gore and Co. In fact, outside of a two-week stretch in Weeks 4 and 5, the 49ers have struggled running the football for most of the season. 

Of course, the 49ers offensive line has also been beat up. This has also played a factor in Kaepernick's inconsistent play, though it didn't bother the young quarterback much against the Rams in Week 6. 

Many expect Kaepernick to repeat his performance against the Rams this week, but I think offensive coordinator Greg Roman will get his veteran back going at Levi's.

Here's why Frank Gore will get this running game back on track in Week 9. 

Recent Success Against Rams

Some players just do well against certain teams. While I wouldn't say Gore has dominated this particular matchup, No. 21 has played at a high level against the Rams in previous years.  

Let's take a look at his past four games against the Rams. 

Date	Yards	Touchdowns	YPC
11/11/12	97	1	4.6
12/02/12	58	1	2.5
09/26/13	153	1	7.6
12/01/13	42	1	2.8

As you can see, the numbers don't really jump off the page, but Gore has found the end zone at least once the last four games against the Rams.

Of course, that streak was broken against the Rams in Week 6, when Gore finished with just 38 yards rushing and zero touchdowns. Recent history suggests this game was an anomaly, and that Gore will find the end zone this week. 

Healthy Offensive Line

The 49ers have battled injuries at key positions during the season, especially along the offensive line. However, for the first time, Gore should have all of his hogs back in good health, minus starting center Daniel Kilgore. 

Jason DeCrow/Associated Press

As we all know, Kilgore was lost for the season after breaking his leg. Rookie lineman Marcus Martin will take over for Kilgore at center. 

I think fans will be very surprised at the play of Martin. He should make an immediate contribution to the ground game. As a run-mauler, Martin should make a seamless transition up front. 

As for the other veteran linemen, we should see big improvements from Anthony Davis, who looked rusty in his return against the Broncos in Week 7. Ditto for Mike Iupati, who was inactive against the Broncos in Week 7. 

Game Circumstances  

The best game plan is when you can force the opposing team to depart from their identity. In the Jim Harbaugh era, the 49ers' identity has been their great defense and physical ground attack. 

Against the Rams in Week 6, Austin Davis and Co. jumped on this 49ers defense and took a 14-0 lead. Of course, this forced the 49ers to throw it more.

Kaepernick ended up having a fantastic game, but the ground game was left for dead. The offense eventually closed the gap in the second half, so the blame can't solely fall on the performance of the 49ers defense.

Gore received a healthy 16 carries, but he was still largely ineffective against this Rams front seven. 

With the 49ers at home, I could see Roman wanting to get Gore going early. Against the 31st-ranked run defense in the Rams, I would be surprised if Gore struggles for a second straight game.