Gore has big goals to go along with big new contract with 49ers
Football Betting Lines
04/03/2007 -
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -Frank Gore has some big goals to go along with his big new contract with the San Francisco 49ers. The Pro Bowl running back hopes to improve on his breakout campaign last season and top 2,000 yards in 2007.
Gore finished 2006 as the NFC's leading rusher with a franchise-record 1,695 yards. Now he's looking at an even bigger goal, possibly even surpassing Eric Dickerson's NFL record of 2,105 yards set in 1984.
``That's my goal,'' Gore said Tuesday. ``I always want to do better than what I did last year. I know that's a big number. I'm going to try to get it. I will work hard this offseason. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't.''
Gore was due to earn $435,000 in his third season before agreeing to the four-year contract extension last week. He will be under contract to the 49ers through 2011 with a deal containing more than $14 million in guaranteed money, including a signing bonus worth a reported $6.5 million.
The 49ers didn't have to rework Gore's contract, but he appreciates the confidence coach Mike Nolan showed in him by doing it early.
``I know Coach Nolan and what type of guy he likes,'' Gore said. ``I knew as long as I kept doing the right things on and off the field that it would be taken care of.''
Gore hasn't made any expensive purchases for himself with his newfound wealth, saying he was more focused on preparing for next season. He did buy his mother a truck.
Gore was the heart of the 49ers' offense last season, setting franchise records for yards rushing; for his 2,180 total yards from scrimmage; and for single-game rushing with his 212-yard performance against Seattle.
After a career dotted by injuries, Gore started all 16 games for the 49ers last season and was selected to start in his first Pro Bowl. The former University of Miami star underwent reconstructive surgery on both knees in college, followed by major surgery on both shoulders after his rookie season with the Niners.
But Gore was remarkably durable while averaging 5.4 yards per carry last year. His low-to-the-ground running style delighted fans and frustrated defenses as he surpassed the best seasons by former San Francisco stars Roger Craig, Ricky Watters and Garrison Hearst.
Gore is trying to lose about five pounds this offseason, dropping to about 210 after talking to San Diego star LaDanian Tomlinson at the Pro Bowl. Tomlinson told Gore that losing a few pounds helped him stay fresher late in the season.
Gore hopes it will help him improve his speed and allow him to finish more of his long runs in the end zone instead of close to the goal line. He also wants to reduce his fumbles, a problem that especially plagued him early in the season.
``I feel if I finished my runs last year I could have led the league in rushing and gotten more touchdowns,'' he said.
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American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout
An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.
Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off. Randy was not impressed though. Paula thought he started off fantastic. "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either.
Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed. Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact. He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition.
Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula. Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.
Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next. Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential. Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell. He sang "Careless Whisper".
22 year old Chris Richardson was up next. He was listed with +1100 odds coming in. He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great.
Nick was boring and pitchy. Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week. Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition.
Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds . These of course were the early odds. He was considered original for picking an "odd song". He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night.
Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good.
Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds. Great voice and a great sense of humor. He's a real standout. Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit. Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig".
Jared Cotter followed. He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition. The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good.
22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next. "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon. Though the judges felt he performed okay. Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.
Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition. He was the last to perform. He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start.
Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys. Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.
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