Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Gore making most of his chances
DAVIE — Running back Frank Gore will likely be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame when his NFL career is over. But at 35 years old and in his 14th season in the league, he’s not thinking about the end of his career just yet.
After passing Curtis Martin for fourth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list last week against the Jets, Gore’s white, grass-stained Dolphins jersey was sent to the Hall to join other memorabilia from his San Francisco 49ers days to be enshrined in Canton, Ohio.
In his first season with the Dolphins, Gore is making the most of his opportunities with his hometown team, serving as a reliable playmaker and veteran leader to first-year starter Kenyan Drake.
Gore may not be playing the same number of snaps as Drake, who is in his third season, but their opportunities to make plays with the football are close to even.
The Dolphins expect that trend to continue in their Week 3 matchup against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Hard Rock Stadium.
“I told myself when they signed me [in the offseason], and they talked about Drake, how much they liked him and the type of player he is, we were going to go out there and both compete against each other, and whatever happens, happens,” Gore said on Thursday about his role and the competition at his position.
“He’s our starter and whenever our number gets called, whoever is in the game, we both help this team be successful. That’s the way it is.”
After two weeks, Drake has played in 74 percent of Miami’s offensive snaps compared to just 29 percent for Gore.
Drake has 25 carries for 101 yards and a touchdown, and has caught 7 of 8 for 35 yards.
Gore has carried the football 18 times for 86 yards and has the longest run of the season with 21 yards. His 19-yard reception on third-and-19 against the Jets last week essentially allowed the Dolphins to burn the clock in the final minutes of the game.
The Dolphins have also used receiver Albert Wilson in some wildcat sets, with quarterback Ryan Tannehill also running with the football on select designed runs to keep defenses off balance.
“Whenever we feel like we can use it as a weapon – whether It’s through the zone read game or getting outside the pocket and running – it’s definitely something that I think can add an element to our offense to where teams have to defend it,” said Tannehill, who had a 20-yard run to begin the Jets game and an 8-yard run to ice the clock last week.
Gore and Drake sit beside each other in the Dolphins locker room and have gradually developed a working relationship since Gore signed with the team in March.
They have both started in Miami’s first two games, maintaining Gore’s streak of 110 consecutive starts, which is 79 more than the next active running back in the NFL.
Gore says Drake is “a great kid” with the attitude and work ethic to match his approach.
“I like the way he plays the game,” Gore said. “Drake will have a great career.”
Drake quickly learned Gore is not the most vocal person, but sees how Gore leads by example, has sustained success throughout his career and carries a team-first spirit.
Drake finally has the opportunity to showcase his capability of being a No. 1 option at his position this season.
In his first two seasons in Miami, Drake shared snaps with former Dolphins Jay Ajayi and Damien Williams. During his four years at Alabama, Drake played behind Eddie Lacy, T.J Yeldon and Derrick Henry.
“If I was getting two, three carries a game or 15 carries a game, I approach the game the same way with the same mentality, understanding any given play can be a game breaker,” Drake said.
“Now, with having more of an expanded role, it’s just understanding the details of every play. Instead of going into the game and making a splash, I’m in a chunk of the game plan. Every play is that much more important.”
At the latter stages of his career with fewer opportunities, Gore maintains Drake’s mindset.
During the offseason, Gore took up boxing as a means of conditioning to save his legs.
When Dolphins coach Adam Gase needs him to make a play, Gore says he’ll be ready to step into the ring.
“I’m trying to win every round,” Gore said with a laugh. “I’m not out there all the time, so when my round comes, I’ve got to try to knock ’em out.”