SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Kevan Barlow can think of more than
20 million reasons he should still be the San Francisco 49ers'
starting running back.
Barlow is upset with coach Dennis Erickson's decision to start
Maurice Hicks against the Washington Redskins on Saturday, even
though Hicks had the best performance by a San Francisco runner
this season in last week's win at Arizona.
Hicks rushed for 139 yards in his first NFL start while Barlow
was sidelined by a concussion. Barlow is ready to return this week,
and Hicks is hampered by a rib injury -- but Hicks will start if
he's healthy enough.
"I was very disappointed. I didn't agree with that," Barlow
said Tuesday. "I think I deserve to be the starter, but I've said
from day one I support Coach Erickson, and do whatever he wants to
do."
Barlow repeatedly cited the organization's commitment to him --
in the form of a $20 million contract with $8 million in guaranteed
money -- as one reason he should keep the job.
"They invested in me," Barlow said. "They want me to be the
guy out there ... and I want to do the job. I'm 25. I ain't going
nowhere no time soon. I'm happy to be here."
But his numbers on the field haven't supported the digits on his
paycheck: Barlow averages just 3.2 yards per carry this season,
with 629 yards and six touchdowns. He's unlikely even to match the
1,024 yards he gained last season while splitting playing time with
Garrison Hearst.
Erickson said both Barlow and Hicks will get a chance to show
what they can do against the Redskins' impressive defense.
"They are both going to play," Erickson said. "And then when
(Barlow) gets an opportunity to play, go out and earn the position
back. In my book, that's just how I look at it right now at this
part of the season."
Barlow's frustration has grown during San Francisco's 2-11
season. He has defended his play and indirectly criticized his
offensive line -- but after he jokingly suggested last week that the
49ers should use all their upcoming draft picks on linemen, he
apologized to his blockers.
"I've grown with this offensive line from day one, and they're
starting to block, and I think I should be out there with them,"
Barlow said.
Barlow also believes he receives added scrutiny because of his
hefty contract and the 49ers' lack of star power. Aside from
linebacker Julian Peterson, the 49ers mostly consist of unproven
youngsters and nondescript veterans.
"I'm the most recognizable name on this team besides JP, and
I'll take most of the blows," he said.
But if Hicks can produce a few performances similar to his
impressive work against the Cardinals, he won't be an unknown NFL
Europe veteran for long. Hicks carried the ball 34 times and even
caught five passes, all while dealing with torn cartilage on his
left side.
The 49ers' offensive line also produced one of its best games of
the season, and Hicks took advantage of the holes with a speed and
aggressiveness sometimes lacking in Barlow, who has a reputation
for hesitating too long at the line of scrimmage.
"The offensive line, I think they did a great job," Hicks
said. "I'm the type of guy that's ready to go out there and play.
When I have to go back out there, I'm ready, whether I'm a starter
or not."