2013 NFC Championship: Jim Harbaugh talks LaMichael James, Frank Gore discusses new offense

Jim Harbaugh spoke with the media today, and the performance of rookie running back LaMichael James was a hot topic. James sat out most of the season before getting playing time in the last four game. The lightning-quick back has made an immediate impact in the run game and on special teams.

Harbaugh was asked about James on Thursday, and he had plenty of praise for the rookie, via the San Jose Mercury News:

"Yeah, we're all happy with the way LaMichael has stepped in and has really given us a boost," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said Thursday at his daily news conference. "It's been good."

Frank Gore also took the podium for the 49ers on Thursday. He donned a blue-collar shirt with the name "Frank" embroidered on the chest. When asked by reporters why he chose to wear the shirt (which he has done before), he said it was time to go to work.

Gore was also asked later about when he first saw the read option and Pistol style offenses. Gore's first exposure came watching Chip Kelly's Oregon Ducks (who don't actually run Pistol, but do use read option). The Niners back didn't like the offense at first, saying he thought it wasn't "real football."

The veteran has come to accept the Pistol as it has become a highly effective weapon with Colin Kaepernick at the helm. Gore said he doesn't care and just wants to do, "whatever gets us to the Super Bowl."

San Francisco visits the Falcons with a trip to the Super Bowl on the linen at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.