Ranking Frank Gore's 10 Best Performances of His Career

What makes 49er running back Frank Gore so remarkable is the singularity of his career.

Gore, now in his seventh year, has played through the dregs of recent 49er success. The team seems guaranteed of a winning season and a playoff spot this year, which would be a first for Gore. And in that time frame, Gore would break from the huddle and find 11 pairs of eyes staring at him.

Gore left, Gore middle or Gore right seemed about the best chances the Niners had in many games over the last seven years. Defenses knew it, and yet so many times he prevailed.

As he is getting closer to surpassing Joe Perry’s career mark of 7,344 rushing yards, it’s important to remember that Joe Perry had Hugh McElhenney to take some of the dilute the focus of the defense. Roger Craig, who now is in third on the all-time list, had at first Wendell Tyler and then Tom Rathman to share duties. But then, there was also Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and John Taylor. You get the point.

During Gore’s career, opponents didn’t have to worry about a quarterback who could do damage; there were no renowned wide receivers to make the safeties back up. When Vernon Davis arrived in 2006, you could make the argument that Gore finally got some help.

Gore is one of the best in the game at picking up blitzes. He's a very good receiver out of the backfield. And he's become a pro's pro after having two knee surgeries in college.

Though he’s hobbled by a sore knee and ankle, he’s expected to go this week at home against the Arizona Cardinals. He only needs 149 yards to supplant Perry as the 49ers' all-time rushing leader.

Here’s a look at the best efforts of his career.

10. Oct. 6, 2006

After playing only three games in 2005, Gore got to complete strength in 2006. And his impact started in the 34-20 win over the Oakland Raiders. The numbers: 134 yards on 27 carries, and he added three receptions for 38 yards.

The offensive coordinator was Norv Turner, and he recognized right away the power Gore could add to the offense.

9. Jan. 3, 2010

The 28-6 win over the St. Louis Rams closed out the team’s 8-8 season, their first non-losing season since 2002. Gore racked up 167 yards on 25 carries and scored once. For the season, Gore averaged 4.9 yards a carry while totaling 1,120 yards.

8. Sept. 21, 2008

In the 31-13 win over Detroit, local fans saw Gore step into his workhorse role. 27 rushes, 130 yards, a TD to go along with four catches for 32 more yards. Total touches: 32. Total team offense snaps from scrimmage: 64.

You could have been somewhat blind on defense against the 49ers and all you have had to do was get a guide dog to recognize No. 21 and there was a 50-50 chance you’d be around the ball.

7. Nov. 12, 2006

The first of two successive games in which Gore became a league icon. The Niners won 19-13 as Gore carried 22 times for 159 yards and a TD.

6. Nov. 19, 2006

With the league becoming more aware of the run-centric nature of the 49ers, Gore exploded for 212 yards on 29 carries in a 20-14 win over Seattle. In two weeks, he averaged just under seven yards a carry.

5. Nov. 25, 2007

In the middle of a dismal year, Gore provided most of the team’s highlights for the year with a 116-yard performance that included two TDs. He also added 98 yards in 11 receptions.

Total touches for the game: 32. Total SF snaps: 64.

4. Sept. 20, 2010

The season was still young. Hope hung in the air. The Super Bowl Champion Saints were in town. The Niners fell behind, and Alex Smith rallied them. Gore was a big part of the rally, as he rushed for 112 yards on 20 carries and added seven receptions for 56 more. He scored a TD.

The Niners lost 25-22 in overtime. And then continued to lose three more times.

3. Oct. 17, 2010

The 49ers had started the season with high hopes that vaporized after a 0-5 start. The Raiders came to town and Gore provided the salve: 149 rushing yards on 25 carries. It was hardly a pretty win, but it was a win provided by the consistency of Frank Gore.

2. Oct. 16, 2010

Some might think that only the most recent get the highest accolades, but in fact Gore’s game against Philadelphia was a milestone for the franchise, whose record in Eastern games was atrocious.

The Eagles defense wasn’t that strong, but no one was saying that about Detroit. The unbeaten Lions had a vicious defense and an ear-splitting advantage in their domed stadium. That means visiting teams can’t get off the ball as fast.

The Niners countered the Lions with two “Wham” plays that Gore turned into gains of 55 and 46 yards. They led to crucial touchdowns in the 25-19 comeback victory. Gore finished the day with 141 yards rushing, and the team gained 203 in all on the ground.

1 – Oct. 16, 2011

Some might think that only the most recent get the highest accolades, but in fact Gore’s game against Philadelphia was a milestone for the franchise, whose record in Eastern games was atrocious.

The Eagle defense wasn’t that strong, but no one was saying that about Detroit. The unbeaten Lions had a vicious defense and an ear-splitting advantage in their domed stadium. That means visiting teams can’t get off the ball as fast.

The Niners countered the Lions with two “Wham” plays that Gore turned into gains of 55 and 46 yards. They led to crucial touchdowns in the 25-19 comeback victory. Gore finished the day with 141 yards rushing, and the team gained 203 in all on the ground.