Gore has lost some speed, but his Gatorade must be filled from the fountain of youth
I thought Gore was washed up… till I watched his tape
At 35, Frank Gore will play for the Miami Dolphins.
What a joke of a move by this inept franchise–right?
I had enough of ‘old backs’ with Arian Foster’s crash and burn in 2016. My first take was that this was a meh move at best… if it came cheap. Problem was, I hadn’t watched Gore in 2 years (when the Colts beat the Phins in 2015).
Before ‘tape time’, I grabbed a bottle of beer labeled with ‘Trooper Eddie’ from Iron Maiden that I’d saved for a rainy day. I hoped it would help me stay positive.
I did a review of the Colts last two games against the Texans and Ravens (13th and 15th ranked run defense respectively). Old backs and their old legs fade over the course of games and seasons. Right? Right!
Week 16 Against the Ravens: 17 for 68 yards
The clip below is the same as above but at half speed. The full speed clip shows his current speed, but the half speed allows a closer look at his technique. Please watch it and observe the nuances of a master technician.
The Colts have a terrible Offensive Line and the Ravens have a solid run D’s, so 17 for 68 must be viewed in context. Remeber, Jay Ajayi only gained 23 yards against this same defense.
There’s a reason Gore is # 5 All-Time Rushing Leader
Gore has elite level patience and recognition of the defense. Notice how he picks his way between the tackles gaining every drop of free space before contact. He keeps hard hits from defenders to a bare minimum with excellent agility and evasion. Just about every shot is a glancing blow or hits his shoulders. He almost always has leverage and falls forward picking up extra yards after contact. This type of smooth play and angling reminds me of Marcus Allen during his time with the Chiefs. Given this tape, it’s obvious why he’s only missed 1 game since 2010.
This next clip is his game against the Texans… does he look done? Again, each and every snap, he makes the most of what’s given to him. Yes, he lacks a top gear to tear off large gains, but he’s by no means slow.
Week 17 against the Texans: 24 carries 100 YDS
In the 4th Qtr he gets dinged (first play below). After sitting out a series, he comes back in and finishes the game. The two plays that follow the injury are the biggest gains after his return. Notice how he knows exactly where the 1st Down is and makes sure to pick it up. He could have easily run out of bounds. The man’s a consummate pro.
Don’t bet with the pay per head services that he’ll rack up 1200+ yards, but he isn’t Foster on his last legs either. What is Gore then? He’s a 1st ballot HOFer still able to grind out a quality season. No one on the Dolphins has done more in the NFL. His ferocious work ethic with certainly have an effect on the younger players. Beyond leading by example, he will put up quality snaps with Miami’s rebuilt Offensive Line and reduce Drake’s workload. Also, if you have watched Kenyan Drake closely, he has similar qualities as Gore: elusive, has good moves in close proximity to defenders, and excels between the tackles. Drake could never replicate this type of teaching without playing beside Gore… if he embraces it. For the price, the talent, and leadership it’s a steal. I’m glad he wanted to come play for his hometown team. Go Fins!!