Week Eight Blog: 49ers @ Colts
Posted by Scott Kegley on November 1, 2009 – 9:27 AM
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.
Posted in Uncategorized | 33 Comments »
By angel#1 niner fan on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
yeaaaaaaaaa lets go niners
By Juan on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
Why are they so predictable? 1st down, Run. 2nd Down, Run. 3rd Down, Throw. 4th Down, Punt. Mix it up PLEASE!!!!
By Frank on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
Defense is the key so far for the niners. Need to point some more points on the board, though. 9:40 left in 2nd quarter
By kain2723 on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
I’m a seahawks fan but GO 49′ers ROCK MANNING UP! Come on davis, and gore
By Joel Nealy on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
Excellent football guys…
I am proud of all of you. Lets keep the penalties down, ok?
Keep the offense balanced and keep that confidence rolling. Lets win the next two quarters!
By 49ermarc on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
hell yeah! Niners got things straighten out on defense. Wow, defense looks great–great job guys. Offense, if only you could stay on the field a little longer to give our defense some rest.
Last drive was amazing by ALEX was amazing; the colts did not know what hit them. Alex is back, just let him do what he knows and perhaps we will go home with a great win.
Let go NINERS!!!!!!!
By Patrick Willis' #1 Fan! on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
What are the injury status reports on Clements and Staley?
By Taylor Price on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
Clements is out with a right shoulder contusion. Staley has a right knee sprain and his return is doubtful.
By Eric on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
There Defense SUCKS they can NOT stop a pass for their life, they cant expect to win if they keep playing like that and giving up 15 plus yards EACH PASS play.
By 49ermarc on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
Dam…Colts are eating the clock it looks like it is over. The defense just got tired of being on the field all dam day. Hopefully there will be some luck towards the end with Alex.
By 49ermarc on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
we need to score when there is an opportunity. Just short of a win against a good team.
By Joel Nealy on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
You must score points…
14 points is not enough to beat the colts. Stop the penalties, stop giving up sacks…
You guys are one play away all the time.
This loss hurts, I expected to win this game since Monday.
The cardinals dont deserve this division boys…
By DA Booko on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
I think we are right at the door we just need to push on through I am proud to be a 49er fan we will win and the Division is still ours to have I like what Coach Sing is doing we will be a force in the post season we are looking good just a few things to work on but I still feel good about this season we gave the Colts hell but came up short we are on the right road GO 49ERS
By Tom on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
Jimmy Raye played it to conservative in the third quarter again. We have the lead and we get two possessions with both first and second downs running plays. In fact we only had one good running play of the day with Frank for the TD. The defensive played great but you have start to wondering how much is enough with the offensive playing calling?
By Tom on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
Jimmy Raye played it to conservative again? We only had two or three good running plays for the entire game with one of them for the TD from Frank. Are offense is simply too conservative and too predictable. Boys we can blame this loss on the coaching. You have to wonder when Mike S is going to have a sit down with Raye.
By Vaunda on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
I am so proud of the 49ers……You held your own today, I dont care what anyone says..three sacks tocday! Manning was upset and off on his game….Great D! I have been getting ripped all week about; colts kicking our ___s. Well it didnt happen…we ran out of time…and there kicker had a good day….this is the first game with Manning having no Touch Down, if it wasnt for their kicker…we would of had the game….and look at the score…sure we got held to 14 but, we were playing against the highest scoring team ranked in the league…VERY PROUD……KEEP BRINGING IT!
By jk49rzfanvb on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
WE NEED TO STOP running on 1st,2nd then pass on third down. We always do soooo good on the two min drill passing the ball. let’s start mixing it up with some play action passes
By Martin on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
Same old S@#! I can do a better job of play calling than Jimmy Raye.What the F@#! is he thinking being so conservative against one of the best offensive teams in the NFL.He needs to retire,the pace of the game must be to fast for the old fellow.
I don’t know jack about the offensive coordinator position.I bet you I could make better calls than Jimmy Raye. I will take over for 300k a year.I don’t use bengay or a walker.
Alex needs to be back in the shotgun all the time.That is the only chance he has with the offensive line.That is clearly where he is comfortable at.
Take some shots down the field.More sideline passes and quick screens.Everything about the offense has to be fast except for the occasional
deep ball.
It is brutal watching this team be so predictable.
Mike you pulled the trigger on Hill. NOW ITS TIME TO PULL THE TRIGGER ON JIMMY RAYE.
GO NINERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Martin on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
One more thing Isaac Bruce sucks.Morgan is a better receiver
I guess I am the only one who sees all the dropped passes and lack of drive out of Bruce.
By Michael on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
Good game…we had the game from the get go. Getting rid of Hill and giving the position to Smith who is doing a much better job than Hill. Now get rid of Raye and get the offense to become a threat, instead of 3 and out, punt. Cant win a game when you do not score and the defense stays on the field getting tired.
The spread offense looks great, and guess what, we SCORE in that kind of offense. Of course that is not the West Coast offense, but it does work. Those 1 to 2 yard passes when it is 2nd and 20 is not effective, Raye is too conservative. Smith has the arm strength to get it down hill, get the ball down field. Lame A$$ coaching on the O as well as some D calls.
The guys played good, the coaching needs to put them in a position to win, and when they in the position to win, keep winning, do not get conservative.
By chris on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
agree,agree ive been saying this the whole time! fire jimmy raye please! this is no pop warner football, what the heck? held peyton to no tds and still we run the fullback up the middle with 10 yards to go ffor a 1st down? get him out its just so frustrating! i feel bad for the defense……all that hard work
By Life long fan on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
Good effort…we need some offensive linemen. Smith is the man for now but we are too predictable.
By Rick Carroll on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
Alex played alot of spread offense at Utah. He is use to the shot gun. You can put Gore offset to him, and he can run or pass out of that formation. With the Line getting beat so much, you can run a screen out of that formation, you can run a HB swing, or you can let him sling it out. Moran Norris is a stud, but he is a blocker, thats cool trying to give him a chance, but only is a FB running when its 2-3 or 3 and 1. Not 2nd and 10. Great job again Crabtree, and Smith did excellent. He’s looking good. The pick was tipped so no big deal. Gore was having problems finding holes, and thats because our line STINKS. Our best lineman Staley is out now, and the rest of the line cant be consistant. Im glad to see the D lineman that we drafted doing better, Balmer, Mcdonald, Soapoga, Smith has always done well. Good job Spiikes and Willis, despite the defense playing well, we still got torched for 300 plus yards, so not good. When you know a team is going to pass, and you cant stop it, thats aggravating. Jimmy Raye? That guy is no special coordinator. I would love to call play for the niners, do some hitch n goes with Crabtree, and run some more screens, bubble screens, and quick screens with DAVIS and GORE. Use davis on some end a rounds, and do some more play action. 22 dives all day will get you one touchdown out of gore, but you cant run that all day. GEESH. GOOD job though guys, you almost upset the colts. Smith, you better start getting you OL in LINE. GET IT… LINE. ha. DARN. NEXT WEEK BOYS, BEAT THE FREAKN BEARS
By Graff on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
i am actually pleased.. i mean ths is alex’s actual first game this season and he did good.. im so glad to see shawn hill gone.. alex definatly gives us a chance.. o-line did good first half our receivers just couldnt catch the ball when they needed to the most. Defense is AWESOME.. oufcourse they could only last so long..but they held them to 18 points! Offense lost the game.. they couldnt move the ball. Why would you run on a 2nd down and 20..stupid! Over all if our recievers would have held on to the ball the game could have came out differently! It is true our offensive play calling is way too conservative.. its been that way since steve young left.. its stupid.. they run on 2 and 20, 2nd and 11, 2nd and 14… why would you run? they need to run on first down.. if they gain 4 or more..then run again.if they dont get any yards or only a couple throw a couple quick slants and pick up the first down.. its common sense! Love ya niners!
By Graff on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
they need to come out throwing quick slants.. make those cb’s play up close.. then they have that option of the deep ball too..then when they have those two options down they automatically have things opened up to run the ball. but right now it is way to predictable… come o-coordinator..frank gore has the ability to do alot more..do some pitches..have gore do more screen plays.. quit trying to shove it down teams throats especially when its a team like the colts!!
By JOHNNY on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply
Both Alex Smith and Shaun Hill are capable of taking this team to the playoffs; however, as long as Jimmy Raye is coaching for this team “period”, you might as well consider our offensive players a waste of talent, and our D’s tremendous play a waste of effort.
By London_9er on Nov 2, 2009 | Reply
The Lads played exceptionally well!!!Like The Vikings Game we LOST not ‘cos the COLTS were better than us,but we LOST because of Poor OFFENSIVE Calling!!!These guys are WINNERS!!!Jimmy Raye has got to go.Like l said it last week,from the other side of the ‘Pond’(Atlantic Ocean),as we Pommies say,’Its time for Daddy Jimmy Raye to receive his PENSION.The players would lose their morale if this sin’t done soon.Alex Smith has a strong arm,he is able to target Vernon,Morgan,Crabtree & Bruce.Later then use Gore & Coffee!!!Having amassed points on the board,we can then bring in Shaun to manage the end game,if need be.These are WINNERS!!!!Can’t wait to see 49ers play here in Wembley,London one day.The most popular NFL team in England alongside the Cowboys. (One thing l guess Tom Brady,and the PATRIOTS)would never tell you.Must be irritting for them to see all the 49ers & cowboys jerseys been worn by the fans.ha ha ha.
By Jon on Nov 2, 2009 | Reply
What everyone has said in this blog is 100% accurate. We need to change things up. It is annoying to see us come out time and time again and go 3 and out. We are a GREAT team with poor offensive calling. We have one of the best backs in the league, but that doesnt matter when you have 8-9 guys in the box. Once we start to open up the offense then you will be able to run the ball. Look back at the 94 team. No defense would dare stack the box because they knew what would happen. WEll there are 9 games left. If we dont change things up we will be watching the playoffs from home. That would be a shame with the talent on this team. Forget the past 3 games and start over this Sunday.
By Michael on Nov 2, 2009 | Reply
WOW, put up 14 against the Colts in the first half, and put up 21 last week against the Texans the second half not too bad. If we can put those points and stats in both 1st half and 2nd half in one game, we can actually win some ball games when it counts against a good team.
By Graff on Nov 2, 2009 | Reply
Whoever thinks that we can have a successful season with shaun hill or alex smith with better play calling they’re nuts..its gonna take the play calling and alex smith..get rid of shaun hill..watch him he’ll probably go be a good qb somewhere else..kinda like jeff garcia.. garcia sucked here then went off to be a respectable qb.. go figure.. anyway Im tired of the qb’s we’ve had lets stick with Smith! He’s already showing signs of taking this team somewhere and he’s still young.. i dont care if we lose the rest of the season if we could get a different o-coordinator. and keep smith in the game cuz i know they next year we “3ill” have something..
By Graff on Nov 2, 2009 | Reply
I really think if alex were to start the season we could have beat the colts..so many doors would have opened from then to now..and with alex’s desire to win i think that would have forced that o-coordinator to be a little more liberal.. alex is gonna be a play maker..thats for sure..
By frickr1 on Nov 3, 2009 | Reply
Hey Graff, I agree A.S. only needs a little more time, the team will do much better the rest of the season. But your way off on Garcia, Garcia was a very good Q.B. for the Niner’s. Just look up his Niner time stats, He broke some of Young,s and Montana,s records. don’t get crazy on us now……..
By Graff on Nov 3, 2009 | Reply
hey frickr1, Jeff Garcia never did better then 63% completion throughout 1999 – 2003 And he had 53 interceptions.. i mean ive been a life long fan since i was a little boy and i never seen anything in that guy.. you and i both know the 49ers havent been shit since steve young..anyway.. were both on the same team so we shouldnt argue..! I just hope that we can get back into the winnin days i get tired of being from kansas and wearing my 49ers coat and getting all the comments over the last 14-15 years.. it’s like they forgot the 49ers are one of the best teams of all time.. anyway 49ers forever!