Blogs

One day after his team suffered a fourth consecutive loss, the third to an NFC South opponent, 49ers head coach Mike Singletary didn’t abandon his desire to get his team into the playoffs.

“In these moments – this is when I’m at my best,” Singletary said. “I think in these situations, you just have to rise above. You have to put your best foot forward. You have to look at where things are you just have to call it like it is. I can’t get lost in the reality of the four losses. It’s not something that you want. It’s not a place where you want to be. But that’s where it’s at.”

Despite seeing his offense turn the ball over four times on Sunday (three interceptions and a fumble), Singletary was still pleased with how his offense looked at times against Tennessee.

“When I look at the offense for the most part, if you take away the turnovers, we really had a chance to have a nice offensive game, have some excitement and momentum going forward. But it didn’t happen. We did have the turnovers and I just think that’s something that we need to work on.”

Singletary came back to team headquarters Sunday night to watch film and ultimately analyze what went wrong with the turnovers. After his film study, Singletary was satisfied with the play of Alex Smith and that only one of the four turnovers was solely on his starting quarterback.

“I thought Alex did a good job of throwing the football. I thought the first turnover he had; the ball just took an unlucky bounce. That doesn’t happen too often. The last turnover where he threw to Josh [Morgan], there were a couple of things that could have happened [differently]. Josh could have made a better play on the ball coming back to it and I thought the defender got there a little bit early, but we didn’t get that call.

“Other than that, I just think Alex had one play that was really on him. I thought he did a good job.”

Singletary said Smith’s second interception to Titans safety Chris Hope was caused by Smith’s confusion with Tennessee’s coverage on that particular play.

“He thought it was cover-4, and the defensive back [Hope] came off. Alex was trying to get it in on time and the guy made a nice play,” Singletary said of the crucial takeaway.

Also from his film evaluation, Singletary was happy with the strides his offensive line continues to make despite being without the services of two starting tackles.

“Our O-line I thought did a heck of a job. I was very encouraged,” he said.

Singletary also singled out Frank Gore for running hard and the blocking from his receivers downfield.

Asked why Jason Hill replaced Isaac Bruce as the 49ers third wideout in the second half, Singletary said it was because of a sore ankle had been hampering Bruce.

Hill caught four passes for 50 yards with two touchdown catches in his first offensive action all season.

Singletary revealed that he would meet with his entire coaching staff to evaluate the wide receiver position. “We have to figure out the right combination,” Singletary said.

More Monday Notes

-Rookie running back Glen Coffee suffered a concussion on the game’s final kickoff return and has already been ruled out for Thursday night’s primetime home game against the Chicago Bears. (Here is the link to injury reports for both teams).

-With Singletary hosting his former team, there was a lot of questions for him regarding that particular storyline, but Singletary wouldn’t classify this game as any more important than his team’s other 15 regular season games.

“Not in particular,” he said of having any extra emotions for Thursday’s game. “I’m just excited for the game, but no emotions outside of the emotions that I have for any other team.”

-A national reporter, (who doesn’t cover the team on a regular basis) asked Singletary what Vernon Davis is doing to be so successful this season, and got this response from the 49ers head coach: “What he’s doing now is just the investment he made in the offseason. He continues to get better and he’s going to help this team win a lot of football games. He is committed – that’s why he’s a captain. He’s making a difference on the team.”

-As a Hall of Fame linebacker, Singletary has played against some of the best running backs in Pro Football history. After seeing Tennessee’s Chris Johnson up close and in person, the 49ers head coach was thoroughly impressed. “What you saw there was real speed. I don’t think there’s ever been a running back as fast as him.”

-Singletary added that his defense did a “pretty decent job” overall against Johnson, but struggled to contain the perimeter at times as well as get off blocks. “When you see the guy turn the corner and Patrick Willis is running after him – you don’t see that too often. Pat is going to catch the guy, and he did a few times, which is a credit to him. But the guy [Johnson] made some good plays. They locked on to us and we didn’t do a great job of getting off blocks yesterday.”

The 49ers (3-4) have lost three straight games an will look to rebound this week against the Titans (1-6).  Here’s the injury report for both teams and I’ll post the inactives around 90 minutes before the game.

49ers Inactives: QB Nate Davis (3rd QB), CB Keith Smith, CB Nate Clements, S Reggie Smith, LB Diyral Briggs, C Cody Wallace, T Joe Staley, DE Demetric Evans

Titans Inactives: CB Nick Harper, RB Javon Ringer, LB David Thornton, T Mike Otto, T David Stewart, DE Jevon Kearse, DT Sen’Derrick Marks, DE Dave Ball

FIRST QUARTER:

The Titans picked up their first 1st down on a Vince Young pass to Justin Gage along the left sideline.  On 2nd an 1, aubrayo Franklin broke into the backfield and stopped Johnson for a loss .  On 3rd and 6, Young’s pass went off Johnson’s hands over the middle and was nearly picked off by Patrick Willis.  Brandon Jones fielded the punt and the 49ers will start their first drive from their own 11-yard line.

*** S Curtis Taylor has a right shin contusion and his return is questionable.

Alex smith threw short right to Vernon Davis on first down who was ridden out of bounds quickly for no gain.  On 2nd and 10, Smith hit Gore on a well set screen pass.  Gore got out to around midfield behind a good downfield block by Rachal.  The Titans were called for a personal foul (Finnegan) which will give the 49ers a first down at the TEN 39.  Smith then tried to hit Walker on a short out route, but the coverage was solid and Smith’s pass sailed high.  2nd and 10, Smith hit Walker on a quick slant pass.  Walker beat the coverage inside and the 49ers will pick up 13 and get another 1st down.  On 1st and 10, Smith tried to hit Davis down around the goal line on a skinny post.  The pass was too long but out of the reach of the Titans defenders.  On 2nd down, the 49ers went with their first run of the game as Gore carried up the middle for a gain of 6.  3rd and 4, Smith scrambled left as the pocket collapsed.  Smith picked up three yards as Finnegan closed quickly for the tackle and on 4th and 1, Nedney will come on for the field goal.  The 49ers seemed to hesitate getting their field goal unit on the field and a delay of game will back them up 5 yards, making it a 40-yard attempt.  The field goal is good and the 49ers grab the early lead.

49ers 3 – Titans 0

Nedney’s kickoff went into the end zone an was downed for a touchback.  On 1st and 10, Young hit Washington for a gain down to the SF 38.  Brown was called for illegal contact but it was declined.  the Titans went with an option on 2nd.  Young pitched to Johnson for a gain of 5.  Young play actioned and hit Gage for a gain of 49 down to the SF 8.  Franklin stuffed the Titans first down run, breaking into the backfield an wrapping up Johnson.  They Titans lost a yard on the play.  On 2nd, Young hit an open Chris Johnson down the left side.  Willis closed quick to save what could’ve been a touchdown.  On 3rd and goal, Johnson took the toss wide right and tried to pass.  Lewis had good coverage on the play and the pass was long.  Bironas hit the short field goal to tie it up at 3.

49ers 3 – Titans 3

Gore took the toss left on 1st down and was wide open, picking up enough for a 1st down.  The pocket collapsed around Smith on first down as Jovan Haye came in for the sack and a loss of 7.  On 3rd and 17, Smith hit Crabtree on a quick screen right.  Crabtree could only pick up a couple and the 49ers will have to punt.  A great punt by Andy Lee that bounced at the 5 and was downed at the 4.  It was a net 57 yard punt and the 49ers will pin the Titans deep in their own end.

On 1st and 10, Johnson cut back inside picking up 4 yards.  On 2nd down, Haralson flew off the left edge and into the backfield, bring down Johnson for a loss of 3.  3rd and 9, Young rolled out of the pocket and threw incomplete down the left sideline.  Brett Kern’s punt was fielded by Jones as it went out of bounds at the SF 49.

Gore plunged ahead for a gain of 2 on 1st down.  Nice coverage by the Titans on 2nd down and Smith rolled out of the pocket and threw it away.  3rd and 8, Smith threw for Crabtree, but the ball was deflected in the air and intercepted by Rod Hood who returned the ball to the SF24 and was tackled by Snyder.

Sopoaga filled the running lane on 1st down and stopped Johnson for no gain.  Young hit Scaife to the right side as Brown and Lewis closed for the tackle after a gain of 5.  That play will bring an end to the first quarter.

SECOND QUARTER:

3rd and 5 from the 19, Young hit Gage who found a whole in the middle of the field just beyond the first down marker. 1st and 10 at the SF12, Young hit Gage down the right side for a gain of 3.  LenDale White got the carry on 2nd down who plunged up the middle for a gain of 2.  on 3rd down, no one accounted for Young who took the draw up the left side for the score.

Titans 10 – 49ers 3

Robinson took the kickoff and returned it out to the 30.  1st and 10, Hill hit Isaac Bruce quick right for a gain of 3 yards.  2nd an 7, Gore took the carry up the middle and cut right for a gain of 6.  3rd and 1, Smith looked to throw and scrambled for a gain of 8. 1st and 10 from the 47, Smith threw a dart over the shoulder of Davis who turned and made a nice grab down to the TEN 14.  It was a gain of 40 on the play.  The Titans were called for offsides on 1st down.  1st and 5, Gore took the handoff up the middle.  There wasn’t much of a hole, but Gore was able to break a couple tackles, getting out near the first down.  The officials came on to measure and the 49ers will get the 1st down.  1st and goal at the 3, Gore took the handoff and bounced out left for the score.

49ers 10 – Titans 10

Pearman took the kick back to the 26 where the Titans will start their drive. Young took a shot for Gage down the left sideline against the coverage of Spencer.  the pass was too long and incomplete.  2nd and 10, Whit took the handoff and cut left, but Balmer and Smith combined to bring him down for a gain of just 1.  3rd and 9, Young avoided a blitzing Shawntae Spencer but couldn’t avoid Manny Lawson who got the sack.  Jones took the punt and the 49ers will get the ball at the 45.

1st and 10, Smith hit Gore out of the backfield for a gain of 8 yards down the right side.  2nd and 2, Smith was wrestled down by his jersey and the ball popped loose.  The 49ers recovered, but for a loss of 21.  Coffee took the handoff on the draw and picked up 4.  Lee will come on to punt.  Another great punt by Lee was fielded at the 4 and Wilhelm made the tackle at the 14.   A 60 yard punt and a 10 yard return for a net of 50 on the punt.

Johnson broke a huge run down the right sideline, but couldn’t outrun Willis after a gain of 26.  Young hit Johnson, but Willis was right there and drove him back after a gain of 3.  Johnson got the carry on second down and drove the pike up the middle for a gain of 4.  3rd and 3, Young threw for Gage who was blanketed by Tarell Brown and the pass fell incomplete.  The punt bounced short of Jones and rolled to the SF 13.  Tennessee was called for an man downfield and the penalty will be tacked on.

1st and 10 at the SF 18, Gore took the handoff out of the shotgun formation and picked up 9.  2nd and 1, Tony Brown jumped through the line early and the 49ers will get the first down the easy way.  1st and 10 from the 32, Smith hit Crabtree on a short slant.  Crabtree made a great catch between two defenders.  The clock will stop for the two-minute warning.  2nd and 1, Gore took the handoff and spun to avoid a tackler, picking up 4. Smith then hit Crabtree on a deep in for a nice gain out to the TEN 39.  Smith was hit as he threw, but still hit Davis for a gain of 4.  The 49ers took their first of three timeouts with 1:03 left in the half.  2nd and 6, Smith threw for Bruce who fell as he made hit cut.  3rd and 6, Smith hit Davis who cut back and made the catch for a gain of 13.  1st and 10 at the 20, Smith hit gore underneath and hurried to the line.  Smith did not spike the ball, but avoided pressure and rolled right.  Jason Hill broke loose and was wide open in the right side of the end zone.  Smith didn’t miss him and Hill made the catch to put the 49ers up by 7.  It was a 9 play, 82 yard drive.  It was also Hill’s first catch of the year.

49ers 17 – Titans 10

Pearman took the kickoff out to the 25.  One carry by Johnson and that will end the half.

THIRD QUARTER:

Robinson took the return out to the 24.  1st and 10, Gore took the handoff on the draw, but was brought down quickly for a gain of just 2.  2nd and 8, Gore took another handoff out of the shotgun formation and rushed ahead for a pickup of 4 yards.  3rd and 4, Smith hit Hill who was crossing from right to left.  Hill made the catch and reached the ball past the marker for the first down.  On 1st, Davis was flagged for a false start and the 49ers will back up 5 yards.  1st and 15, Smith hit Gore over the middle for a gain of 7.  2nd and 8, Smith threw for Morgan, but it was low and incomplete and he was under pressure.  3rd and 8, Smith rolled right, but couldn’t find an open receiver and threw it away.  Pearman called for the fair catch after a 53 punt by Lee.  It will be Titans ball at their own 10.

1st and 10, Haralson got into the backfield and tripped up Johnson for again of 1.  2nd and 9, Young went with the option and pitched it to Johnson who ran up the right sideline and was forced out by Lawson after a gain of 5.  3rd and 4, Young threw for Gage, but he hadn’t yet turned around and the ball was at his feet.  Nice work by the 49ers defense to get the ball back after a 3 and out.  Jones caught the punt at the 27 and had nowhere to go.

*** G David Baas has a stinger and his return to the game is questionable.

1st and 10 at the SF 27, Smith hit Davis on a quick out left and Davis got around the corner for a gain of 13.  On 1st down, Hope got into the backfield quickly and sacked Smith.  2nd and 17, Smith’s arm was hit as he threw and the ball fell incomplete.  The Titans threw the red flag to challenge the ruling that the pass was incomplete and not a fumble.  The officials overturned the call and the Titans will get the ball at the SF 36.

1st and 10, Johnson got the carry and got around the right side for a gain of 8.  Brown looks to be shaken up on the play.  2nd and 2, Johnson rushed ahead for the first down.  1st and 10 from the 21, Young looked for Washington in the end zone.  Washington tripped and the ball was incomplete.  On 2nd down, Sopoaga wrestled Johnson down after a gain of 1.  3rd and 9,  Young hit Johnson on the screen.  Johnson got down to the 3 for the first down. On 1st and goal from the 3, Johnson took the toss left and nearly got in.  On 2nd and goal from the 1, Johnson plunged ahead and tied up the game at 17.

49ers 17 – Titans 17

*** Brown has a rib contusion and his return is probable.

Robinson fielded the kick and took it out to the 27. Smith threw for Morgan on 1st down.  The ball went off his hands incomplete.  Gore ran left on second down and had nowhere to go.  The Titans were offsides however so the 49ers will move forward 5 and repeat 2nd down.  The 49ers will give those yards right back after being flagged for a false start.  On 2nd and 10, Smith hit Gore out of the backfield.  It looked like he was surprised by the ball as he saw it late, but he was still able to make the catch and pick up 9.  3rd and 1, the refs blew the play dead and called offsides on the Titans.  1st and 10 from the SF 41, Morgan took the handoff on the end around.  The blocks were set up well and Morgan ran for a nice gain up the right side and a first down.  It was a gain of 11.  1st and 10, Gore took the handoff on the draw for a gain of just a couple up the middle.  2nd and 8, Smith hit Davis on an out route to the right.  Davis turned upfield and picked up 7.  3rd and 1, the Titans had 9 men in the box, but gore still plunged ahead for a short gain that was good enough for the conversion.  1st and 10 from the TEN 47, Gore took the directs step and bounced out right for a gain down to the 24.  Davis was called for a false start and it will be 1st and 15 from the 29.  Smith hit Coffee on the screen left.  Coffee had a nice gain, but it will be called back as Baas was flagged for being down field illegally.  That play brings an end to the quarter.

FOURTH QUARTER:

On 1st and 20, gore rushe straight up the middle with a nice hole for a gain of 7.  2nd and 13, Smith hit Davis on a screen.  Davis broke one tackle and stayed on his feet for a gain of 7.  3rd and 6, Smith hit Morgan near the first down.  It is close, but the refs will measure and it will be just short.  On 4th and inches, Smith pitched it to Gore left who made on man miss and picks up 5 yards for the 1st down.  Walker was shaken up on the play.  1st and goal from the 10, Robinson got the handoff, but lost a yard on the play.  Smith hit Robinson quick left for a gain of 4 down to the 7.  Smith looked for Gore on a short slant.  He appeared to be held on the play and asked for the flag to no avail.  Nedney’s field goal is good and the 49ers retake the lead.

49ers 20 – Titans 17

*** TE Delanie Walker has a knee sprain and his return is questionable.

Pearman takes the kickoff and returns it to the 19 where he was tripped up by McKillop.  1st and 10, Young threw for Washington.  Lewis had good position, turned and knocked the ball down.  2nd and 10, Johnson hit the afterbruners and outran everybody for the 81-yard score.  Singletary challenged the play, saying that Johnson stepped out of bounds down the left sideline.  On the replay, it appears that he stepped out of bounds as Lewis tried to push him out.  The officials ruled he was out of bounds at the SF40.  1st and 10 at the 40, Haralson threw Johnson down for a loss of 4 as he tried to bounce out left.  Young hit Gage who was upended, but still held onto the ball at the 11.   Tennessee called a timeout.  1st and 10 from the 11, Young Scramble and was run out of bounds by Lewis at the 6.  Johnson got the carry and spun up the middle near the 1-yard line.  They appear to be short of the first down.  3rd and inches from the 1, Young gave it to White and it will be very close.  The ball is just short and the Titans will go for it on 4th and inches.  Haralson had Johnson for a loss, but he got away and went in for the touchdown.

Titans 24 – 49ers 20

*** Michael Lewis has a quad strain and his return is questionable.

Robinson’s return is out to the 30 where the 49ers will get the ball with some work to do.  Smith hit Gore on a swing pass out of the backfield for a gain of 2.  Smith looked for Morgan, but it was intercepted by Hope at the 39.

Johnson took the carry for a gain of 2 up the middle on 1st down.  2nd and 2, Willis tracked down Johnson as he ran left for a gain of 4.  3rd and 4, Young hit Scaife for the first down.  1st and 10 from the 18, White rushed up the middle for no gain as Franklin and Sopoaga brought him down.  2nd and 10, Johnson took the carry up the middle, sliding through the defense for a gain of 5. Young rushed, but was stopped by Willis just short of the first down and the Titans will try the field goal.

Titans 27 – 49ers 20

1st and 10 from the 28, Smith looked for Morgan, and the ball went off his hands in the air for an easy interception by Finnegan who returned it for the touchdown.

We’ll run down to the field now for postgame.

Prior to the 49ers game against the Houston Texans, Vernon Davis took some time to meet his biggest fan, Joseph Luna, who was battling an agressive form of cancer called neuroblastoma.  The two talked for quite some time at the team hotel and Joseph was able to be on the sidelines during pregame warmups.

Vernon went on to catch three touchdown passes in the game.

Joseph passed away Friday evening, but had a very big impact on all those around him – especially Davis.

“I can’t begin to explain what meeting Joseph meant to me,” Davis said.  ”He was a great kid with an amazing spirit.  I am still wearing the bracelet he gave me.  I really want him to know that the short time we spent together meant as much to me as I’m sure it did to him.  I am truly sorry to see him go so early in his life, but I know that he is in a better place.  My thoughts and prayers go out to Joseph and his family.”

Both Frank Gore and Moran Norris, two of the players who also met Joseph, want to extend their deepest condolences to the family and to let them know the Joseph will be in their prayers.

Pro Bowl balloting is open so make sure you go to nfl.com/probowl to send you favorite 49ers to South Florida.  For the first time since 1980, the Pro Bowl is being held somewhere other than Hawaii.

Several players are having great seasons such as Vernon Davis, Patrick Willis and Aubrayo Franklin, but don’t forget to vote for special teamers like Andy Lee, Michael Robinson and Scott McKillop.  You can vote as many times as you want so make sure to vote often!  Here’s a look at what some of the 49ers standouts have done so far:

TE Vernon Davis:
Davis is having a career-year, leading the NFL with a career-high 7 TD rec. He is also leading the 49ers with 32 rec., 375 rec. yds., and 7 TDs. Davis is on pace to set career-highs in both receptions as well as receiving yds.

LB Patrick Willis:
Willis leads the 49ers with 75 tackles, 6 TFLs, 2 INTs and ranks second on the team with 2.5 sacks. He is the only player in the NFL to register at least 2.5 sacks and 2 INTs. According to gamebook statistics, Willis ranks 4th in the NFL in tackles.

NT Aubrayo Franklin:
Franklin is the force in the middle of the 49ers run defense and leads the defensive line with 43 tackles and 4.5 TFLs. He has also set a career-high with 2.0 sacks. Franklin has helped limit opponents to an NFL leading 3.2 yds. per carry and the 2nd-fewest rushing yds. allowed (594).

P Andy Lee:
Lee leads the NFC and ranks 2nd in the NFL with a 41.6 net punting avg. He also ranks 3rd in the NFC and 4th in the NFL in gross punt avg. (48.0). He also ranks 2nd in the NFL with 23 punts over 50 yds.

RB Michael Robinson:
Robinson ranks 2nd on the team with 15 special teams tackles and has led the team in special teams tackles in three different games. He was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2008.

LB Scot McKillop:
McKillop has been a special teams standout in his rookie season. He leads the team with 19 special teams tackles and also registered a special teams fumble recovery for a touchdown vs. STL.

Sports Illustrated columnist Peter King writes a weekly Monday Morning Quarterback column in which he names players of the week and provides other analysis of Sunday’s games.  This Monday, King named 49ers nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin as his defensive player of the week.

Franklin finished the game with 1 sack and 3 tackles, but King notes that the play of the nose tackle doesn’t always show up in statistics.

“It’s a thankless job,” Franklin said.  “I just go in there and try to keep guys off Pat [Willis] and Takeo [Spikes].  I take pride if those guys can run to the ball free.  Then I feel like I did my job.”

The 49ers interior lineman certainly did his job effectively in terms of stopping the run against Indianapolis as the Colts were held to 61 yards rushing at an average of 2.9 yards per carry.  Effective at stopping running back Joseph Addai, Franklin also proved that he could have a similar effect on the Colts’ quarterback, sacking Peyton Manning for the first time in 178 pass attempts.

“It was big,” Franklin said of his sack.  “I have to credit the other guys too.  The DBs were doing a great job on the back end covering and also those edge guys forced him to step up.  Luckily, he stepped up into my arms.”

Franklin now has 2.0 sacks and 43 tackles on the year, making him a key part of the 49ers defensive success so far this season.

“I just think it all started to click last year,” Franklin said.  “Our defense started making strides and we were just doing the things that we did well.  I think it’s a continuation of last year and I’m just trying to pick up where I left off last year and take my game to a different level.”

49ers President Jed York will be hosting a Monday Night Football “Friendraiser” along with Jack Blair, a Senior Vice President with the San Francisco Giants, on December 7, 2009, at Pete’s Tavern across from AT&T Park in San Francisco.  The event will begin at 5:00 p.m. and go until 9:00 p.m. as those in attendance can watch the Monday Night Football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Green Bay Packers.

Advanced tickets are $20 and admission at the door is $25.  Tickets are limited so click here to purchase your tickets now.

There will also be a raffle and silent auction during the evening with the chance to win great 49ers and Giants memorabilia.  The grand prize will be a luxury suite to the 49ers final regular season home game against the Detroit Lions on December 27.

All proceeds from the event support the Bayview YMCA’s youth sports programs and community service campaign.

Each week, the opponents’ head coach and one key player call the Bay Area media for a conference call.  This week, head coach Jeff Fisher and quarterback Vince Young both called in.  Fisher was very complimentary of the 49ers team and Young said he’s looking forward to competing against his old Longhorns teammate, Tarell Brown.  Take a listen to what each had to say.

Listen to the Vince Young conference call.

Listen to the Jeff Fisher conference call.

A day after a frustrating 18-14 defeat to the Indianapolis Colts, the 49ers pointed the blame at themselves for not being able to snap their two-game losing streak, which now stands at three games.

“It was a tough game,” head coach Mike Singletary said at his day after the game press conference. “It was one of those things where we did more than they did. Yesterday was a classic case of an immature team shooting itself in the foot.”

Singletary spoke of penalties and missed assignments that caused the 49ers to come up short, and his players agreed.

“We have the tools, we have the people, we just have to learn how to finish,” running back Frank Gore said.

Although it wasn’t the outcome he was looking for, Singletary felt his team did improve on Sunday by nearly defeating the undefeated Colts.

“We didn’t win yesterday, but we did get better,” he said.

In Singletary’s eyes, his players improved, despite suffering injuries to two key players, one on each side of the ball.

On the game’s very first offensive play, left tackle Joe Staley went down with a sprained knee. Staley underwent an MRI earlier today and the time table for his return will be announced by the team later. Staley was in good spirits in the locker room and was noticeably limping, but able to put weight on his leg.

Staley said it was the first knee injury of football career and the first significant playing time he’s missed since spraining an ankle as a college freshman.

Staley added that he was able to watch the play of his replacement Barry Sims and right tackle Adam Snyder throughout the game and offered tips to them as well.

“I thought Barry did a good job,” Staley said.

Sims, an 11-year NFL veteran with 127 regular season starts, was ready to go when his number was called after the game’s first offensive snap.

“I always draw from my experience,” Sims said of what helped him be ready. “As a backup you prepare yourself as a starter and I started my whole career. I’m aware of what it takes to be the starter. It was unfortunate that Joe went down as early as he did, but at the same time, it was good to be able to get into a rhythm at the beginning and then go from there.”

The 49ers other major injury news on Monday involved cornerback Nate Clements’ fractured right scapula.

“We will not put him on IR,” Singletary said. “If we’re in the playoffs, he deserves to play.”

Clements becomes the third 49ers player to fracture his shoulder this season.

In training camp wide receiver Brandon Jones suffered a fractured scapula and was back in five weeks. Tackle Tony Pashos also suffered the same injury against the Texans, but was placed on IR after.

With this injury, the 49ers expect Clements to be back in time for the end of the season and a possible playoff run.

Clements only has his focus on rehabbing his shoulder to get back on the field.

“I’m just going to focus everything on rehabbing and still staying in on what’s going on with the defense,” he said. “Right now, I have to focus on rehabbing and getting my arm stronger.”

More Monday Notes

-Singletary said a sprained shoulder to defensive tackle Demetric Evans was the only injury to come out of the Colts game, besides the injuries to Staley and Clements.

-Singletary said Tarell Brown will be fine in stepping in for Clements. Asked if Brown can handle those duties, Singletary responded, “Oh yeah, he’s ready.”

-Players on offense were asked about the state of the team’s offense and if going to a spread attack from the shotgun formation would help the team move the ball. Quarterback Alex Smith said answered it best: “I think you want to retain balance. I think you want to be physical, run the ball, as well as at times change the tempo, and spread it out a little bit and then go back to the run. I think those are the things you need to do to be a successful offense.”

-Along those lines, Singletary was asked if he supported the play-calling from offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye, to which he responded: “I 150-percent back what he’s doing, absolutely. There’s not one iota that I’m wavering here or there, whatever. Jimmy knows there are some things going forward that he has to learn about our players, what they can and cannot do.”

-Singletary was also pleased with Smith’s play.

-“I thought Alex did very well. I was very pleased to see him make some throws. I was very excited and anticipated this game for him because I knew the rush was going to be coming at him. I knew that it was just a situation where he wasn’t going to sit back there and be comfortable and he got outside of the pocket a few times and he made some good decisions, made some really nice throws. Outside throws, up the field throws, post throws, I thought he made all the throws that he needed to make and he just needed to be more consistent. I thought he handled himself very well in pressure situations and I thought he did a good job.”

The photo above was taken from my seat at Lucas Oil Stadium which is really a nice building.  There’s still some time until kickoff, but I’ll make sure to post the inactives once they our given to me by our PR staff.

49ers Inactives: QB Nate Davis (3rd QB), WR Micheal Spurlock, S Reggie Smith, LB Diyral Briggs, C Cody Wallace, T Chris Patrick, WR Jason Hill, DT Ricky Jean Francois

Colts Inactives: QB Curtis Painter (3rd QB), K Adam Vinatieri, WR Anthony Gonzalez, DB T.J. Rushing, DB Marlin Jackson, RB Donald Brown, G Jamey Richard, T Tony Ugoh

FIRST HALF:

Michael Robinson fielded the opening kickoff and nearly broke it through a nice hole up the right side, but was tripped up just before the 30.  Frank Gore got off to a nice start with a 6-yard gain up the middle.  Tackle Joe Staley was injured on the play however.  I didn’t see him go down initially, but I’ll post an injury update when it’s available.  Staley was able to get up and walk off with the training staff so that’s a good sign.  On 3rd and 3, Alex Smith threw to Vernon Davis along the left sideline, but Davis only got one foot in bounds and the 49ers will have to punt. Arnaz Battle drilled the return man who fumbled the ball, but teh Colts were able to recover and the Colts will begin the drive at the 15.

Peyton Manning didn’t waste any time before going deep for Garcon who was open down the middle.  The ball was underthrown and incomplete.

*** Joe Staley has a sprained right knee and his return is doubtful.

On third down, Manning hit Dallas Clark.  Clark was tackled by Goldson who knocked the ball loose and it was recovered by Shawntae Spencer.  The Colts are challenging the play however.  The officials ruled that Clark’s knee was down so the Colts will punt.  Nate Clements is deep for the kick.  Clements couldn’t gain any yardage, but a penalty on Indy will give the 49ers punt return another shot. Clements got out to the 30 where the 49ers will begin their drive.

Smith hit Bruce on 1st down quick right for a gain of 5.  Gore broke a long touchdown run of 64-yards on a 2nd down draw play up the middle.  Gore broke a few tackles and outran the secondary for the score.

49ers 7 – Colts 0

Dre’ Bly nearly had an interception on third down, stepping in front of Wayne.  It will however force the Colts to go three and out and punt.

A bad exchange costs the 49ers 3 yards on first down and Gore could gain much ground on a second down run.  On 3rd and 14, Smith was under pressure and just did well to get rid of the ball and avoid the sack.  Lee had a huge punt of 59 yards and with great coverage by the punt team, the Colts will get the ball at the 23.

Manning’s pass to Wayne on first down sailed wide out of bounds.  Addai picked up just a couple running left and was tackled by Justin Smith.  On 3rd and 8, the Colts set up a nice screen to Wayne to the left.  Good blocking and a few missed tackles give the Colts a first down at the SF 43.  Addai appeared to slip on 2nd down and it will be 3rd and 9.  On 3rd down, the 49ers pressure came late and Manning was able to hit Austin Collie for the first down.  The Colts were called for holding on first down as Addai tried to turn the corner.  The Colts will back up 10 yards and it will be 1st and 20 from the 38.  Great play by Spencer on 1st down, batting the ball away intended for Waynein the end zone.  It will be third and short after Manning hit Clark on a seem for a gain of 18.  The 49ers stopped Addai short on the run on 3rd down.  That will bring up 4th down and Stover will come on to attempt a 38-yard field goal.  the field goal is good.

49ers 7 – Colts 3

After the kickoff, the 49ers will start their drive from their own 12.  On 2nd down, Smith hit a wide open Bruce who found a hole in the coverage for a gain of 13.  Smith hit Crabtree on 2nd down for s first down.  Crabtree ran a hitch just past the first down marker.  Smith overthrew Crabtree on the next play.  Crabtree got a hand on it, but tipped the ball in the air for a Bob Sanders interception.  He returned the ball to the 34.

Manning hit Wayne on first down who dove forward for the catch.  Manning hit Wayne again down to the 15-yard line and was pushed out of bounds by Spencer.  The 49ers defense held strong and held Indy to a field goal.

49ers 7 – Colts 6

Gore took the handoff on first down up the middle for a gain of just a 1.  Gore ran right on 2nd down, but couldn’t find much of a hole so it’ll be 3rd and 7.  Smith hit Vernon Davis who was hit immediately and the 49ers will have to punt.  Another nice punt by Lee and good coverage and the Colts will get the ball at their own 25.

*** Frank Gore is now the first player since 2003 to have 3 rushing TDs of 60+ yards in one season.

Addai broke a nice run, getting around the end right on first down for a gain of 7.  Addai picked up just 1 on 2nd down and it will be 3rd and 2.  Manning hit Wayne quick on 3rd down, but was hit immediately for no gain by Brown.  The 49ers will get the ball at the 28.

Smith hit Davis for a would be first down, but they’ll move backwards after a holding call on David Baas.  Gore got the carry on a draw on second down, but picked up a couple and it will be 3rd and 18.  Smith scrambled out to the 30-yard line, but they’ll be short of the first and have to punt.  A great punt again by Lee and the Colts will have to start back at their own 18.

Manning hit Wayne on a crossing route for a gain of 15.  Manning went to Wayne again, hitting him quick to the left.  Wayne was able to spin away from Spencer for a gain of 5.  Manning doesn’t get sacked a lot, but Franklin was able to get to Manning on second down and it will be 3rd and 10.  Manning threw for Hank Baskett on 3rd down, but the ball was incomplete and the 49ers will force the punt.  A few nice moves by Clements to gain 12 yards and the 49ers will start their drive at the 22.

The 49ers couldn’t get much going and on 3rd and 13, Smith hit Crabtree near the first down marker, but they’ll still be short by a yard.  Lee continues to have a good game and a 55-yard punt will give the Colts the ball at the 18.

Manning tried to hit Clark along the left sideline but Michael Lewis was able to knock the ball away.  Addai took the toss left on 2nd down, but was stopped after a gain of 1 by Lawson.  On 3rd down, Manning hit Garcon who picked up just enough for the first down.  Manning hit Wayne on a WR screen to the left for a gain of 7 yards.  Willis flew into the backfield on second down to drag RB Chad Simpson for a loss.  On 3rd and 4, Manning’s pass was behind Wayne and Indy will have to punt.

the Colts had good coverage on the punt and the 49ers will have a long field, starting from the 11 with 1:44 remaining in the half.  Smith hit Crabtree on a quick slant for a gain of 27 out to the 38.  Smith then hit bruce on the next play right at the 50.  Bruce got out of bounds with 1:16 left.  Smith then found Davis to move the sticks again down to the IND 40.  Smith looked for Davis again but overthrew him on a crossing route.  Smith hit Gore as the blitz arrived for a gain down to the 25.  The 49ers will get some additional yardage thanks to a roughing the passer call and the 49ers will move down to the 13 with 43 second left.  Smith hit Gore again who got down to the 8-yard line.  Smith then hit Vernon Davis for the score on a skinny post route.  The ball was thrown perfectly.

49ers 14 – Colts 6

The Colts will have good field position with :26  on the clock as they’ll get the ball at their own 39-yard line.  Manning hit Collie for a big gain right away.  Collie got out of bounds at the SF 38.  Manning hit Clark on the next play, who got inside the 30-yard line with 14 seconds left.

*** Nate Clements has a right shoulder contusion and he will be evaluated at halftime.

Manning hit Callie again at the SF 13 and Stover will come on for the field goal attempt.  The field goal is good.

49ers 14 – Colts 9

Balmer fielded the kick, but did not advance and that will be the end of the half.

SECOND HALF:

The Colts’ drive started at the 26.  Addai picked up a couple on first down, but the Colts will back up 5 after a false start on 2nd down.  Sopoaga hauled down Manning for the 49ers 2nd sack of the game.  3rd and 16 was no problem for Manning though as he hit Garcon for a big gain.  Manning hit Addai on a quick screen to the left, but Smith pursued and brought him down for a gain of 2.  Manning moved the chains on 3rd and 8, hitting Wayne on a comeback route just past the marker.  Manning is starting to heat up, hitting Wayne on a post route down to the SF21.  Manning looked for Wayne in the end zone, but Spencer had good coverage and the ball fell incomplete.  Manning hit Collie on a quick pass right.  Lewis made the tackle after a gain of 6.  Sopoaga brought down Manning again with the help of Ray McDonald and the Colts will have to bring out Stover.  Stover’s fourth FG of the game is good.

49ers 14 – Colts 12

Robinson returned the kick out to the 22 where the 49ers will begin their drive.  Gore picked up 2 yards on a dive up the middle.  Smith hit Gore out right who made a nice move to avoid the defender and get close to the first down.  On 3rd and 1, Moran Norris plunged ahead to pick up the first.  Gore was stopped behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of 1.  On 2nd and 11, Smith spun to avoid the defender and hit Gore who showed some nice moves to get out close to the marker.  On 3rd and 1, Moran Norris got the carry again on what looked like the same play on the last third down.  The result was also the same and the 49ers will get the 1st down.  Smith hit Crabtree on 2nd down who picked up just 1.  The Colts came up with the loose ball.  The 49ers are challenging the call.  The ruling on the field will stand and the Colts will take over.

Manning looked for Wayne on 2nd down, but it sailed wide and incomplete.   Manning hit Garcon on 3rd down who was drilled along the sideline by Goldson as he was trying to haul in the pass.  The ball came loose so the 49ers defense held tough after the fumble.  After the punt, it will be 49ers ball at the 20.

*** Injury update: Nate Clements has a right shoulder contusion and he is out.

On 3rd and 7, Smith was under pressure and got rid of the ball.  The pass was incomplete so the 49ers will quickly go 3 and out.  Lee hit another good 54-yard punt and the Colts will get the ball at the 30.

On 3rd and 5, it appeared the 49ers weren’t ready and Manning quickly hit Wayne wide right for the first down.  On first down, Manning hit Clark who was tackled immediately for a gain of 9.  Addai then picked up the 1st down on a short gain running left out to the SF 42.  Manning hit Collie on a short crossing route on 2nd down for a gain of 5.  On 3rd and 5, Sopoaga was called for a neutral zone infraction and that gives Indy the 1st.  Addai took the handoff and was able to get around the right corner for a gain of about 10, bringing an end to the third quarter.  Addai got the toss left and looked to throw, finding Wayne wide open for the touchdown.  the Colts will try for 2, but Manning’s pass was too high for Collie in the back corner of the end zone.

Colts 18 – 49ers 14

Smith’s pass on first down was intended for Bruce who got his hands on it but couldn’t bring it in.  Smith hit Crabtree on 2nd down just beyond the marker on the sideline for a first down.  Smith faked to Gore and hit Bruce on a deep out route for a gain of 20.  Smith gave the ball to Gore on a draw who found a nice hole to the left for a gain of 7.  Gore then broke a tackle on 2nd down in the backfield and getting positive yardage for a gain of 8.  The 49ers went with an empty backfield on 2nd down and Smith hit Morgan on the sideline.  On 3rd and 7, the 49ers were called for delay of game, making it 3rd and 12.  Mathis beat Snyder on the right side and what was a promising drive ends poorly and the 49ers will have to punt after the sack.  The returner, Jamie Silva, called for a fair catch at the 10.

Addai took the handoff and bounced out right for a gain of 3 on 1st down.  Manning hit Clark after a play action for a gain of 40.  On 3rd and 3, Manning’s pass for Collie on a seam route sailed high and the 49ers will force the punt.  The 49ers will have a long field ahead of them as they start from their own 6.  The 49ers got 5 yards back the easy way thanks to an Indy offsides call.  Smith then found Gore on a checkdown for a gain of 7 and the first down.  A great throw by Smith, hitting Crabtree down the right sideline for a gain of 17.  On 3rd and 10, Smith had some time but the pocket collapsed and Freeney came up with the sack.

I have to go down on the field to set up for postgame, but stay up to date on Twitter.

Rookie wide receiver Michael Crabtree spoke to the media for just about 10 minutes on Thursday. Crabtree answered a variety of questions from Bay Area reporters ranging from his five-catch, 56-yard debut last Sunday against the Houston Texans to how he’s picking up this week’s game plan.

Here’s the transcript of his media session in the locker room from earlier today:

On if things are becoming more relaxed now that he’s heading into his second NFL game:

“Oh yeah, I’m feeling comfortable right now. I feel like we just have to push through this week. I feel like we’ve done a good job preparing for this game. We just have to keep it up today and smooth things out tomorrow. I’m just ready to go.”

On if he’s picking up the game plan faster this week:

“The second week is still kind of the same right now. It’s not too much of a difference from my first game. Once I get my second game out of the way, I’ll be ready.”

On who is helping him the most between coaches and teammates:

“Everybody, our receivers., the quarterbacks.  I’ve got good teammates and anything I ask, they’re going to give me the answers.”

On the chemistry he’s developed with Alex Smith:

“You know as quarterback and receiver, you kind of create that trust. After running so many routes with him, or anytime you’re doing one-on-one activity outside, you feel like you gain chemistry with that quarterback. It’s no different from Shaun [Hill], I’ve just worked more with Alex. I can’t wait to get out there and see how that goes.”

On if the 49ers can develop into more of a passing team:

“We can be whatever we want to be. We have the talent to do it. We’ve got our running backs. We’ve got our receivers. I think we’ve got the full package. We’ve just got to put things together and go out there and execute.”

On what grade he would give himself after watching film from his first game:

“It was alright. It was my first game. I feel like I could have done better. There are obviously things that I could have done better. That’s what I focus on for most of my time in the film room. I’m just trying to correct those mistakes and get better.”

On if he heard any trash talk from Texans during first game:

“There’s always trash talked out there. I really don’t pay too much attention to it. I’m focusing on my job.”

On how much of the playbook he was operating on against Houston:

“Most of it. I couldn’t get on the field if I didn’t know most of it. I would say I knew most of the playbook.”

On scoring points and keeping up with the Colts:

“We just have to do our job. Hopefully our defense does their job. It’s a team game. That’s how I’m looking at it.”

On ascending to be the go-to-guy from the start:

“It’s just a part of playing football. When the ball comes your way, you catch the ball. You do what you’ve got to do to get the first down. That’s kind of the rules I’ve lived by my whole life. “There shouldn’t be a difference.”

On embracing that responsibility, to be a big part, right away:

“My responsibility is to catch the ball. Any moment on the field, any time, any place, it’s just football.”

On if he feels that he’s made and immediate difference”

“I feel like I’m doing my job.”

On if changing quarterback right when he is coming into the offense makes it any harder:

“You’ve got to expect the unexpected in any situation. When anything goes wrong, you have to adapt to it. I feel like that’s what our team is doing. I feel like there are a lot of changes made day in day out. It’s just how you respond to it.”

On if any of his mentors checked in with him after his first game:

“I had a lot of people check in with me. I tell them to just give me the negative points on what happened and they all have no problem with doing that.”

On if he likes the attention he’s been getting:

“To tell you the truth, I don’t worry about it. I just stay in my own lane, and do what I’m supposed to do.”

On if he’s seen himself on sports highlight shows:

“I’m always up here and as soon as leave from the facility I’m going to sleep. I really don’t have too much time to watch a lot of TV.”

On how badly he wanted to work out in Indianapolis during the combine back then:

“I wouldn’t say I was frustrated. It was something I wanted to do so bad. I wanted to go out there and show what I had just like everybody else. I’m just glad that that part of it is over with, but I wish I could have done something to show guys what I can do in the 40 [yard-dash].”

On if having had that opportunity would have changed where he was drafted:

“I have no idea. I know where I’m drafted now. That’s the good part about it.”