Frank Gore became the all-time leading rusher against the Rams (1,191 yards in 15 games against St. Louis) and scored his eighth touchdown of the season on Sunday.
But Gore's 15 carries for 42 yards tell a different story: San Francisco didn't lean heavily on its stud running back in Week 13.
In fact, this trend dates back to Week 11. Since the 49ers defeat at New Orleans, Gore has averaged 14 carries and 40 yards per game.
Don't expect this to continue.
Gore has started 40 consecutive games, the longest such streak among active ball carriers, and currently sits 179 yards from his the seventh 1,000 yard season of his nine-yard career.
If December is about determination, expect San Francisco to rely more heavily on running the ball, and handing it off to Gore.
That's what coaches have done in the past. Gore's 17.1 carries-per-game career average for month No. 12 is only bested by his 18.3 mark for January.
And the 49ers plan to still be playing by then.
For more storylines surrounding the team, check out this edition of Morning Tailgate links, presented by State Farm.
**Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News*** *covered the quick turnaround to Seattle.
**Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle*** *quoted the very quotable Vernon Davis.
Kevin Lynch of SFGate.comnoted the preparedness of Alex Boone to play left tackle.
**Taylor Price of 49ers.com** talked to the 49ers big-time defenders postgame.
**Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com*** *zeroed in on the effect of Michael Crabtree.
**Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee** focused on the toughness teams need in December.
Chris Biderman of Niners Digestsaid San Francisco is hitting its stride.
Bill Williamson of ESPN.comcalled Colin Kaepernick a strong front man.
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CLIP OF THE DAY:*
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TWEET ABOUT IT:
#49ers TE @VernonDavis85 a.k.a. "Air Davis." PHOTOS, VIDEOS, STORY: http://t.co/0aIdful09U pic.twitter.com/1CvTjU71ye — San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 2, 2013
