Ink on Indy
Fansided

Indianapolis Colts: Frank Gore Has Chance at Career Milestone in 2016

By Garrett Hagan

Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) is tackled by Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) is tackled by Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore needs 700 rushing yards this season in order to jump to No. 8 on the NFL’s all-time leading rushing list. Gore rushed for 967 yards in his first season with the Colts last year.

The Indianapolis Colts signed Frank Gore to a three-year, $12 million deal in March of last year as a free agent.

The signing was one of many that General Manager Ryan Grigson had made that free agency period, in hopes that the moves would take the Colts over the hump and get them to the super bowl.

The plan didn’t go as hoped, and the Colts would eventually finish the season with eight total wins and miss out on the playoffs — with Andrew Luck sidelined for nine games throughout the year with rib, shoulder and kidney injuries.

Gore ended up rushing for 967 yards in 2015 — falling just 33 yards shy of his 1,000-yard goal. For a player who has rushed for 1,000 yards in eight of his 11 seasons in the league, Gore was a bit frustrated with how the entire season went, per Mike Wells of ESPN.com.

“I was frustrated, but the whole year was frustrating,” Gore said. “When I came here, the year before the team almost made the Super Bowl and then we go out there and go 8-8. I just felt like the whole season didn’t go our way. It was frustrating.”

Gore’s 967 rushing yards in 2015 were good for 8th in the NFL — more than the likes of LeSean McCoy, DeMarco Murray, and Matt Forte.

“He [Gore] is one of those guys; he’s a hard hat and a lunch pail guy,” Head coach Chuck Pagano said. “He gives us everything that he has every single day. He’s one of the hardest-working guys on the football team. Nobody has more passion and love for this game and love for his teammates than that guy.”

Perhaps Gore’s goal this season isn’t necessarily to just rush for 1,000 yards, but more so help lead the Colts to a more successful season that what 2015 was.

With a revamped offensive line, Gore shouldn’t have too much trouble finding success in the running game, while taking pressure off of Luck’s shoulders and opening up the passing game.

Gore sits at No. 15 on the NFL all-time rushing list with 12,040 yards, and a season of at least 700 yards could put him all the way up to No. 8 — passing Jim Brown, Tony Dorsett and Marshall Faulk.

Next: Colts: D'Joun Smith Getting Huge Reps in Training Camp

At the age of 33, Gore is ready to defy the odds and stereotypes in today’s NFL that running backs of his age can’t effectively produce like they once used to.

With a healthy Luck and Gore in 2016, the duo could do some great things for the Colts’ offense, and get them back into contention. Look for Gore to have another productive year as he silences his critics.

More from Ink on Indy

Home/Indianapolis Colts