49ers history: 3 things that didn’t suck about 2007 season

No. 2 reason 2007 didn’t entirely suck for 49ers: Frank Gore was still Frank Gore

There might still be an argument against the franchise’s leading rusher, Frank Gore, not making into the Pro Football Hall of Fame despite the fact he ranks third all time on the NFL’s leading rushing list with 16,000 yards over 16 seasons played.

Sure, that argument likely cites the fact his numbers were the direct result of playing so long. But in any regard, being a running back and staying in the league for 16 seasons is a massive accomplishment in itself.

But what should add to the discussion is the fact the bulk of Gore’s early years, when he would have been at his prime, came when he was essentially the only reliable offensive weapon the 49ers had.

Not surprisingly, and despite being the lone threat for the Niners that year, Gore still managed to net 1,102 rush yards on 260 carries with five touchdowns, and his 1,538 all-purpose yards was nearly triple the amount anyone else on the roster (wide receiver Arnaz Battle had 604) had that same season.

A very Gore-like season when he effectively had to carry San Francisco’s offense at a point where no one else could.