Niners Nation - 49ers vs. Colts 2013: Full coverage of San Francisco's Week 3 matchup"We're the San Francisco 49ers, we can do whatever we want."https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47865/ninersnation_f.png2013-09-22T18:30:06-07:00http://www.ninersnation.com/rss/stream/45222592013-09-22T18:30:06-07:002013-09-22T18:30:06-07:0049ers penalized 6 times in loss to Colts
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<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The San Francisco 49ers love to get penalized. They just do. Tarell Brown got in on it.</p> <p>Coming into Sunday's game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> led the league in penalties with 23 for 220 yards. If there was a focus on fixing that and not making so many penalties in the week leading up to the game ... well the 49ers failed.</p>
<p>San Francisco started the game with two-straight penalties. In fairness, the one on <span>Donte Whitner</span> was absolutely garbage because he wasn't even close to leading with his helmet. The NFL seriously need to make helmet-to-helmet plays reviewable.</p>
<p>But that aside, the 49ers still committed five penalties on the day. I suppose it's actually improvement in some ways, given that they committed more in Weeks 1 and 2, but it's still not a good look. Anthony Davis was called for a false start at home, and they never specified who was supposed to be called for defensive holding later in the game.</p>
<p>Cornerback <span>Tarell Brown</span> is the one who really [site decorum] the bed. He drew three penalties for pass interference, and every one of them was bad and pretty much blatant. Last week, we discussed how the 49ers eschewed good fundamentals and generally looked terrible for a full 60 minutes. It was Brown who set the pace for that going forward.</p>
<p>Six penalties for almost 50 yards was the final count. Now the 49ers have 29 penalties for almost 300 yards this season. Clearly, something needs to change.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2013/9/22/4759660/49ers-vs-colts-final-score-tarell-brown-penaltiesJames Brady2013-09-22T16:13:31-07:002013-09-22T16:13:31-07:0049ers terrible in loss to Colts
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<figcaption>Thearon W. Henderson</figcaption>
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<p>The San Francisco 49ers stunk up Candlestick Park on Sunday, losing to the Indianapolis Colts.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco 49ers</a> fell to the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indianapolis Colts</a> on Sunday, 27-7. Jim Harbaugh is officially under .500 for the first time in his NFL career, and it's hard to argue against that being his fault, at least by a solid margin. The play-calling was bad and the clock management was, once again, bad. But more than that, the offense was incredibly bad.</p>
<p>The 49ers came out and absolutely laid an egg on the first drive of the game, giving up multiple first downs and adding to their list of penalties. The Colts did not face a third down on the 80-yard touchdown drive. Fortunately, the 49ers responded before the quarter ended, with a 90-plus-yard touchdown drive led by Frank Gore. So that was nice.</p>
<p>But that's where the niceness starts and ends. There wasn't strong play by the wide receivers, <span>Colin Kaepernick</span> looked terrible in and outside of the pocket, and the defense committed penalty after penalty. More accurately, <span>Tarell Brown</span> committed penalty after penalty.</p>
<p>Kaepernick ended up throwing for a minuscule amount of yards not worth discussing, and Gore had a bunch of yards that all came in the first quarter because they abandoned the run.</p>
<p><span>Aldon Smith</span> played, much to the chagrin of some. San Francisco could not suspend Smith, but they had plenty of power to deactivate him in response to his recent DUI arrest. Either way, Smith played and made the start on defense, coming in for the first series. He didn't do anything all game, however.</p>
<p>The play-calling was, again, abysmal. Gore had that monster opening drive, and Hunter had that great draw play, so what do the 49ers do? They toss it outside multiple times, including an outside toss to Anthony Dixon, who doesn't belong in a game outside of short-yardage runs on the inside.</p>
<p>In my opinion, Kaepernick had a bad game. He was 2-for-8 after the first half, and was frequently not looking for his receivers downfield. The secondary play was good for the Colts, but there were players open deep. Unfortunately, Kaepernick had already made the decision to turn around and run outside and throw the ball away by the time they got open.</p>
<p><span>Vernon Davis</span> didn't play due to his injury but he should be good-to-go going forward. Unfortunately, <span>Patrick Willis</span> went down with a groin injury in the second half and did not return.</p>
<p>Early in the game, the 49ers were called on an unnecessary roughness penalty for leading with the crown of the helmet. Unfortunately, it din't even look remotely like he led with his helmet, and a replay confirmed this. This is a bad trend in the NFL and referees ho continue to make this mistake should be punished, and those calls should be reviewable.</p>
<p>A lot needs to change if the 49ers are to be the team we hoped they could be before the start of the season.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2013/9/22/4759210/49ers-vs-colts-final-score-recap-colin-kaepernickJames Brady2013-09-22T15:31:13-07:002013-09-22T15:31:13-07:0049ers-Colts fourth quarter game thread
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<figcaption>Jed Jacobsohn</figcaption>
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<p>Here's your fourth quarter game thread for the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> trail the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>. They look bad on both sides of the ball. Without urgency, they won't come back and win this one and will be 1-2. Let's see how this goes.</p>
<p>This is your fourth quarter gamethread. Go Niners.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2013/9/22/4759870/49ers-vs-colts-fourth-quarter-game-threadJames Brady2013-09-22T14:57:00-07:002013-09-22T14:57:00-07:0049ers-Colts third quarter gamethread
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<figcaption>Thearon W. Henderson</figcaption>
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<p>Here's your game thread for the third quarter between the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> currently trail the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>, though by a small margin. Penalties, blown calls, poor play-calling and a struggling secondary are to blame. There was a lot wrong with that first half, but then again, things could be a lot worse. To this point, the 49ers haven't shown an ability to make adjustments at halftime. Hopefully they can this time around.</p>
<p><span>Colin Kaepernick</span> is 2-for-8, and has only hit <span>Anquan Boldin</span> thus far. He's not looking downfield, he's panicking in the pocket, and the offensive line isn't giving him a whole lot of confidence. Hopefully we see more of Week 1 Kaepernick and not Week 2 Kaepernick going forward.</p>
<p>This is your third quarter gamethread. Go Niners.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2013/9/22/4759762/49ers-vs-colts-third-quarter-game-threadJames Brady2013-09-22T14:07:26-07:002013-09-22T14:07:26-07:0049ers-Colts second quarter thread
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<figcaption>Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Here's your second quarter game thread for the 49ers-Colts game.</p> <p>San Francisco opened the game with multiple penalties, though one of them was total nonsense. <span>Donte Whitner</span> did not lead with his helmet on the unnecessary roughness call, which is a huge problem in the NFL right now. These plays need to be reviewable.</p>
<p>But after that, <span>Tarell Brown</span> made a bone-headed play and gave them another first down due to a pass interference penalty. From there, multiple first downs led to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> taking an early lead. Naturally, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> screwed up the next possession and had to immediately punt.</p>
<p>Fortunately, the 49ers got their [site decorum] together, remembered that they have Frank Gore, and put together a scoring drive nearer the end of the quarter. We also got see Kendall Hunter and Colin Kaepernick combine for one of the best sells on a draw play I've ever seen.</p>
<p>Colts have the ball at the time of posting but probably punting.</p>
<p>Here's your second quarter gamethread, which will carry us through halftime. Hopefully, the 49ers pick it up.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2013/9/22/4759380/49ers-vs-colts-second-quarter-game-threadJames Brady2013-09-22T12:11:11-07:002013-09-22T12:11:11-07:00Smith, Reid active for 49ers vs. Colts
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<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We've got your gameday inactives for Sunday's matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts.</p> <p>The San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts released their gameday inactives for their Week 3 matchup. For the 49ers, the storyline all week has focused on outside linebacker Aldon Smith and whether or not the 49ers would take disciplinary action into their own hands and force him to be inactive for this game.</p>
<p>Smith will be active for the game, whether you happen to think that's a tactful move by the 49ers or not, it's good for them on the field. As per the collective bargaining agreement, the 49ers were not allowed to suspend Smith, but they were allowed to deactivate him.</p>
<p>Tight end Vernon Davis will be inactive. Davis was banged up in the game against the Seattle Seahawks, and was questionable heading into this game. Rookie safety Eric Reid had to pass a final concussion test on Saturday as well, but was cleared to play and will be active for the game.</p>
<p>This also means fullback Owen Marecic, a recent signing, is active.</p>
<p>For the Colts, they already knew that safety LaRon Landry would be inactive, and that's the biggest name for them. Inside linebacker Pat Angerer was doubtful for the game, and the Colts' defense will take a hit as the starting inside linebacker will be inactive.</p>
<p><b>49ers: </b>TE Vernon Davis, QB B.J. Daniels, LB Nate Stupar, OL Joe Looney, WR Jon Baldwin, WR Chris Harper</p>
<p><b>Colts:</b> S LaRon Landry, LB Pat Angerer, C Samson Satele, WR David Reed, WR Da'Rick Rogers, DT Montori Hughes</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2013/9/22/4758948/49ers-vs-colts-aldon-smith-eric-reid-inactivesJames Brady2013-09-22T12:02:55-07:002013-09-22T12:02:55-07:00Vernon Davis is INACTIVE
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<figcaption>Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The San Francisco 49ers released their Week 3 inactive report, and 49ers tight end Vernon Davis is INACTIVE for the Colts game. We break down the implications. <strong>New to Niners Nation?</strong> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=67" target="new">Sign up here</a> and join the discussion!</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> released their game day inactives report, and in a move that is a little surprising, but not shocking, tight end <span>Vernon Davis</span> has been declared inactive for the Week 3 contest with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>.</p>
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<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/9/22/4758218/49ers-vs-colts-game-time-tv-schedule-updates-recap-gifs-inactives" target="_blank">49ers-Colts game day story stream</a>
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<p>Davis injured his hamstring late in the 49ers loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a>. He sat out all three days of practice, which is obviously a significant red flag. Earlier in the week Vernon <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/9/18/4743768/vernon-davis-injury-hamstring-49ers-vs-colts">Vernon tweeted</a> that he only needed some rest, and he would be fine come Sunday. On Thursday, Greg Roman said he didn't know what kind of blood Vernon had going through his body, "but it heals really well." Apparently Vernon is not a doctor and Roman might need to learn more about blood.</p>
<p>The 49ers will be down to <span>Vance McDonald</span> and <span>Garrett Celek</span> as their primary tight ends. <span>Demarcus Dobbs</span> is listed as a tight end, but we haven't seen him on the field at the position since early last season. However, he is an emergency option. McDonald will be the primary pass catcher of that group, and the 49ers still have an excess of offensive linemen they can bring in for their heavy packages.</p>
<p>This likely means <span>Anquan Boldin</span> could be in for a bigger day in the passing game. The 49ers will need to find some additional weapons. I would like to think the 49ers can find some success in the run game, but even still, they need pass catchers. It will be an interesting storyline to follow all day.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2013/9/22/4758284/vernon-davis-injury-update-fantasy-football-status-inactive-49ers-coltsDavid Fucillo2013-09-22T08:35:24-07:002013-09-22T08:35:24-07:00Some potential options 49ers may be considering
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<figcaption>Brian Bahr</figcaption>
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<p>The 49ers are figuring out what to do with Aldon Smith for Sunday's game against the Colts. We break down some of the latest reports. <strong>New to Niners Nation?</strong> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=67" target="new">Sign up here</a> and join the discussion!</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> apparently have some thoughts on how to approach the <span>Aldon Smith</span> situation as they get ready for their Week 3 contest against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>. Here are a pair of tweets that have come along this morning:</p>
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<p>From <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23GameDayMorning&src=hash">#GameDayMorning</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%2349ers&src=hash">#49ers</a> pass-rusher Aldon Smith will play today, but he may play sparingly, per source. Adds a different dynamic.</p>
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/statuses/381787772308033537">September 22, 2013</a>
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<p>Aldon Smith could not be suspended by 49ers under CBA; consensus is get Smith to treatment once they get thru weekend. Help the young man.</p>
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) <a href="https://twitter.com/mortreport/statuses/381797518926811137">September 22, 2013</a>
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<p>The suspension information will help clear up the notion that the team could suspend him for alcohol-related issues. This also removes the <span>Brandon Jacobs</span> analogy that so many have been making. I'll admit that even I initially made that comparison on Twitter, but realized the differences in the situations.</p>
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<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/9/22/4758218/49ers-vs-colts-game-time-tv-schedule-updates-recap-gifs-inactives" target="_blank">49ers-Colts game day story stream</a>
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<p>What is more interest is the mention of "may play sparingly" and "once they get thru weekend." At first glance, this would seem to indicate the "just win, baby" mentality is pretty strong. At the same time, if they get him into some kind of treatment and he misses future games conducting this treatment, then I think there is an argument the team is figuring things out.</p>
<p>I am still of the mindset that he should be deactivated, but I'm not prepared to go off the handle on the 49ers at this point. I'm disappointed in much of this, but I really am just hoping they have some kind of plan in place (or soon to be in place) to get this figured out in the best interests of everybody involved.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2013/9/22/4758370/aldon-smith-update-game-status-49ers-vs-coltsDavid Fucillo