FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez wants to improve his blocking and help get the running game on track.
"It seems like everybody is blocking and maybe one person might not get to their guy, and I've been one of those guys that hasn't been getting to my guy," Gonzalez said. "We all have to be accountable for that."
The 49ers are fourth in the league against the run, giving up just 73.8 yards per game.
The Falcons are 25th in the league, averaging 92.3 yards rushing per game after finishing second in the league last season at 152.7 yards per game.
Local ratings up
The Falcons' local TV ratings are up 24 percent from last year, the fourth-biggest percentage jump in the NFL, according to the league. Only Arizona (48 percent), Minnesota (32) and the New York Giants (25) have higher increases.
The Falcons are averaging a 20.4 rating and a 39 percent share, up from 16.4 and 33 at this point last year. The 39 share means that 39 percent of televisions in use in Atlanta are tuned to the Falcons game.
Bring on the double team
Gonzalez was held to one catch when New England bracketed him and bumped him when he ran through zones. He's not sure if the 49ers will try to copy the strategy.
"If you want to double-team me, that's fine," Gonzalez said. "I'll take that. It doesn't matter to me at this point. I don't care. [Michael] Jenkins had a great game against New England. If that one doesn't get called back, we might have won that game, who knows what would have happened."
Gore out
San Francisco announced that running back Frank Gore (ankle) will not play Sunday against the Falcons.
"When he's healthy, he's one of the best," Falcons defensive end John Abraham said. "You saw what he could do in the first couple of games out. I hope he's returning soon, but if he doesn't return [against the Falcons], I won't be mad at all."
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