SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -Frank Gore has a straightforward offensive strategy: make positive yards every time.

That's what the running back regularly reminds his San Francisco 49ers teammates - small gains are better than no gains or negatives.

Sounds easy enough, yet the 49ers have been inconsistent on offense all season. Coach Mike Singletary is standing by coordinator Jimmy Raye, spread offense or not, criticism or not.

While the Niners have had success with the spread the past two weeks, Singletary isn't ready to put that kind of pressure on quarterback Alex Smith considering the former No. 1 draft pick has been back as a starter for only one game.

San Francisco has lost three straight and is taking some heat about its offensive plan.