ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, October 1, 1996 TAG: 9610010073
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: SAN FRANCISCO
SOURCE: GARY PETERSON
Gary Peterson is a sports columnist with the Contra Costa Times in Walnut Creek, Calif.
This is not a discussion about the 49ers' running back controversy.
There is no controversy.
Terry Kirby is the better man.
Don't look to Sunday's bottom line for the final word in the runoff between Kirby and Derek Loville for the 49ers' starting halfback job. Loville played the first and third quarters of San Francisco's 39-17 victory over Atlanta, running for 18 yards. Kirby played the second and fourth quarters, running for 14 yards.
Neither man caught a pass and neither man scored a touchdown. But one man did stand out.
The man was Kirby, and in the second quarter he:
*Ran for 9 yards, pushing a large mass of Falcons humanity backward much of the way.
*Threw a perfect 24-yard touchdown pass to Jerry Rice.
*Knocked Atlanta linebacker Cornelius Bennett helmet over heels on a 12-yard scramble by quarterback Elvis Grbac.
The 49ers' longest run of the game, trivially enough, was a 67-yard dash by Anthony Lynn in the fourth quarter. But Kirby's sweaty handprints were all over that play, as well.
First, Kirby blocked Falcons cornerback Tim McKyer off the playing field to help open the hole for Lynn. Thus liberated, Lynn flew down the right sideline, cut back toward the middle of the field, and tripped over. Why, that would be Kirby, suddenly ahead of the play 67 yards downfield and trying to make another block.
``It felt pretty good,'' said Kirby, a former UVa standout who came to the 49ers in an Aug.19 trade with Miami. ``I've still got a lot more to learn about the offense. They're bringing me along slowly. Today was a good test.''
It wasn't enough to put a body in the Pro Bowl, but the fleeting displays of speed, power, explosiveness and versatility indicated in fairly dramatic fashion that Kirby can offer the 49ers more than can Loville.
So next week's starter against the Rams will be?
``I don't have any particular changes in mind,'' coach George Seifert said. ``There are decisions, obviously, to be made. I'm going to enjoy this victory, have a couple beers, maybe get in the hot tub tonight and save the decisions for the beginning of next week.''
From here, about the only thing to decide, the judgment-altering potential of fine pilsner and warm water notwithstanding, is whether Kirby has a firm enough grasp of the 49ers' offense to warrant a full-time position. With Kirby over the sprained ankle he suffered in the 49ers' final exhibition game against Seattle, experience is the only advantage Loville has.
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Loville, as previously stated, is everything you might want in a football player. That is, everything but better than average. He is a good soldier, is in superb condition and will give you the last apple in his basket. For the past three seasons, he has been the 49ers' Bill Ring of the '90s.
Ring, of course, was an integral part of the 49ers from 1981-86. He played special teams, wouldn't fumble on a bet, and was a real Boy Scout. He was, however, never nominated for best halfback in a lead role. The 49ers' leading rushers during his time with the team were Ricky Patton, Jeff Moore, Wendell Tyler (twice) and Roger Craig (twice).
Just so you know don't try to float this comparison past Loville. When asked how he felt about his time-share situation, he issued a cross between a sniff and a snort. Call it a snorft.
``I got to carry twice, then I was put on the shelf for 15 minutes,'' he said. ``We come out in the third quarter, and we shy away from the run and throw passes. It feels very strange. I'm supposed to be on the field. But I don't make those decisions.''
Two lockers to Loville's left stood Kirby. ``I'm very happy,'' he said. ``I've been anxious to play for a while.''
The 49ers should be anxious to have him. Starting next week in St. Louis.
LENGTH: Medium: 78 linesby CNB