Colts:True Test

The 49ers look to move on in a positive productive manner, after the 24-21 defeat they suffered last week against the Texas Texans. This Sunday the ‘9ers face off against the undefeated Indianapolis Colts. With Payton Manning leading the Colts this season to a perfect 6-0 start, the 49ers defense and offense will be tested, mentally and physically.

The key players on the 49ers to look out for this weekend will be Alex Smith, Frank Gore, Justin Smith, Michael Crabtree, Patrick Willis, Dashon Goldson and Vernon Davis. Whether making plays on offense, defense or special teams, these seven players need to come out of the gates aggressive, focused and determined. These players are key factors in the ‘9ers success as a team. They are the leaders on this 49er team and need to rise to the occasion this week.

The 49ers are going to have their work cut out for them this Sunday. The Indianapolis Colts have a very strong offense, which can run and pass effectively. There defensive line is good at pass rushing, despite their lack in size and with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis lining up at the Defensive End positions the ‘9ers offensive line is going to have their hands full. The seven key players for the 49ers that I highlighted need to start and finish the game with smart, heads up plays. This week will be a true test to see if the 49ers can play with playoff ranking teams.

Sunday: Change in the Air

Sunday, the 25^th of October, started off early for the 49ers. The team’s ten o’clock game in Texas had ‘9er fans everywhere waking up in hopes of a victory. The 49ers where coming off of a bye week and were looking to expand their record to 4-2. The 49ers took the field, dashing out in clean white and red jerseys with the look of determination written on the players faces. A win in Texas would not only be a personal and team victory, but would also secure the 49ers place at the top of the NFC West division.

Although the 49ers looked like they would have a chance to start the game off in a positive fashion, by attacking the Texans defense with their run game, they soon found out that the day’s game was going to be tougher than expected. The whole first half of the game was in favor of the Texas Texans. They dominated the game in all aspects. The Texans were running, passing, and scoring all over the 49ers. The 49er defense had little, if no, control over the Texas offense during the first half of play. To add to this poor effort displayed by the ‘9ers defense, the 49ers offense look out of sync, frustrated and confused. The 49ers quarterback, Shaun Hill, was 6/11, with 45 yards and no touchdowns, during the first half of play, while Frank Gore ran for 32 yards on 13 attempts. At the end of the half the score read 21-0, in favor of the Texans.

The second half brought a sigh of relief when Mike Singletary decided to make a key change in the offensive lineup, benching Shaun Hill and starting backup quarterback Alex Smith. Smith came out on fire, completing 15/22 passes, as well as producing 206 yards and connecting with Vernon Davis for 3 touchdowns. Although things were turning around for the 49ers, the Texans had kicked a field goal in the fourth quarter to lead 24-21. Alex Smith and ‘9ers offense tried to drive down the field, late in the fourth quarter, to try and tie the game, but failed when the offense couldn’t produce any ground on a fourth and 10 yard conversion. This resulted in a 24-21 point defeat by the Texas Texans.

Third Sunday: Astonishing Outcome

The 49ers took the field in Minnesota, during the third week of the NFL season, looking to start their season 3-0. Although the 49ers confidence was towering high, after last week’s victory versus the Seattle Seahawks, so was Vikings.
The 49ers looked shaky during their first possessions. They didn’t complete a pass during the whole first quarter and ran the ball strait into Viking defenders. On the other hand, the Vikings completed passes, while Adrian Peterson broke free for a few successful runs. As the 49ers offense struggled to gain their composure, the 49ers defense turned up the intensity and did a great job covering receivers, putting pressure on Brett Favre and stopping Adrian Peterson on the run.
The 49ers offense finally found their grove late in the second quarter and continued to play as a team, throughout the game. The 49ers took a four point lead at the end of the fourth quarter, on a great catch by Vernon Davis, forcing the Vikings to score a touchdown in order to win.
With just 1:20 seconds left in the game, Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings went on a huge drive down the field. They completed pass after pass and reached first down after first down. As the last play of the game was set into motion, Favre connected with his receiver in the back of the end zone, for a miraculous come from behind touchdown, to win the game.
This loss was a hard one to swallow, but the 49ers are determined to put this loss behind them and start preparing for this Sundays division game, versus the St. Louis Rams.