Niners Usually Suffer in Miler's Absence

Versatile, power-blocking fullback hardly played vs. Broncos, as 49ers focused on passing attack

While running behind fullback Bruce Miller, Frank Gore has put up three consecutive 1,000-yard-plus seasons.

The former defensive lineman in college has made the transition to NFL fullback in a big way, becoming one of the best in the business as a lead blocker, receiver out of the backfield and ballcarrier when needed.

When No. 49 is blocking for Gore, the Niners have a physical, run-oriented offense unlike most any other in the league, an old-fashioned, power-blocking attack.

But in San Francisco’s lopsided loss to the Broncos in Denver Sunday night, Miller disappeared in the mile-high air.

The 49ers often went with four- and five-receiver sets, keeping Miller on the sideline. As Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee noted, Miller plays just 12 snaps vs. Denver. In fact, the 49ers – who are 4-3 entering their bye week – have kept Miller on the sidelines for much of two other games this season, vs. the Cardinals (just nine snaps) and Bears (24 snaps).

Those represent the 49es’three losses this season. Coincidence? Probably not, says Barrows.

“Right now you’re probably arguing that the 49ers fell behind by such a wide margin in those games that they had no choice but pass the ball,” wrote Barrows. “That’s incorrect. They were up at the half against Chicago and Arizona. And while they fell behind against the Broncos, it was clear that the game plan was to lean heavily on multiple wide-receiver sets and not so much on the running game.”

Barrows points out that Miller was in on just four of the offense’s first 11 plays Sunday night, and only two of those plays were runs, and they trailed just 7-0 at the time.

At 1-2, the 49ers went back to their roots after the Arizona game and reeled off three straight victories. In wins over the Eagles and Chiefs, Gore ran for 119 and 107 yards and had averages of 5.0 and 5.9 yards per carry. The 49ers beat the Rams the following week, but had to come back from an early 14-0 deficit.

Obviously, the Niners are at their best when they run the ball and stay true to their personality of playing physical football.

And Miller gives them that dynamic.

As Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis said before the 49ers game with St. Louis, Miller is a big part of the offense.

“Bruce Miller, the ball follows him a lot,” he said. “They have very good blocking schemes. They change them week to week depending on the looks that they get.”

The 49ers missed Miller big time late last year when a shoulder injury sidelined him. But he worked hard over the offseason and came back strong.

“He’s better than ever,” said offensive coordinator Greg Roman earlier this season.

And yet, against the Broncos he was just an extra, unused piece of the offense instead of being part of the point of attack.

It seems whenever the 49ers stumble, they get back to their roots and run the football.

So, expect to see a lot of No. 49 on the field, blocking defenders, when the 49ers return to action at Levi’s Stadium against the Rams on Sunday, Nov. 2.

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