2012-GameRelease-Divisional

Boone enjoyed the repeated inside trap calls because it fit Gore’s natural, between-the-guard running
ability.
“I think that’s a staple for us,” said Boone, the team’s converted 6-foot-7 guard. “Frank’s a strong A-gap
runner, so anytime we can get him in between the tackles it’s his bread and butter.”
Boone's transformation to guard is one of the best stories of the 2012 team.
Not only is Boone succeeding whlle playing at an unfamiliar position, the former tackle has been able to
transform himself into a top guard after coming into the league undrafted.
“To his credit, he’s taken his opportunity, his talent, his work ethic, and also a great attitude,” Harbaugh
said. “And then he’s got it. And I think it’s a great lesson for all the young players, individual players, that
working hard, doing it with a great attitude, a team attitude, you figure it out. You get it. And he’s a
wonderful example of that.”
Attitude is certainly something that sets Iupati and Boone apart from other linemen. Both players embrace
a team-first mindset and both set out to play impose their physicality.
In particular, Harbaugh sees Iupati as a player with a high enjoyment level for the physical aspect of his
job.
“He’s a very strong man that plays very physical,” the 49ers coach summed up of the team’s No. 17
overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. "It’s talent. It’s attitude. It’s a lot of those things. But, he’s unique in that
he is as big, as fast, as quick twitch as he is. And also secretly likes it to come down to just that, the
physical nature of it.”
Under the guidance of offensive line coaches Mike Solari and Tim Drevno, Harbaugh sees steady
improvement from the third-year player.
Iupati, however, is modest about the strides he’s made in 39 consecutive starts to begin his career.
“I can’t say I’m better,” he said. “I’m still working.”
Iupati and Boone will continue to take strides heading into this week’s test, a "Monday Night Football"
matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.
“They play outstanding defense – very dangerous offensively,” Harbaugh said of the 4-3 Cardinals, who
are one game back of the 49ers. “A team that we know. They know us. Have a lot of respect for the
Cardinals.”
Arizona’s offensive line features former 49ers draft pick Adam Snyder, the player Boone replaced in the
starting lineup at right guard. With injuries to both tackles, the Cardinals have allowed league-high 35
sacks, nine more than second-place Green Bay.
Meanwhile, the 49ers have to limit hits on their own quarterback. The team’s 20 sacks allowed ranks
fourth in the NFL.
“It’s a challenge for everybody,” Harbaugh said of limiting sacks and quarterback hits. “In this league, call
it a struggle, call it a challenge. Every single week, that’s a challenge and an opportunity for both teams.
Both teams are faced with the challenge of protecting their passer and both teams have the opportunity to
get to the opposer’s passer. It’s a test of wills on sides, protecting and putting pressure on the passer.”