Rushing touchdowns from Trent Richardson, Ahmad Bradshaw and Andrew Luck helped the Indianapolis Colts to a 27-7 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park.
Richardson, who was making his first appearance for the AFC South side, scored on the opening drive of the game, but Kendall Hunter found the end zone for the home side before the end of the first quarter to level the scores.
Fourth-quarter scores from Bradshaw and Luck helped the Colts take control of the game, while a late interception from Colin Kaepernick ended the 49ers' hopes of a comeback.
Read how all the action unfolded below:
Good evening, it's around half an hour until kickoff at Candlestick Park, where the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts will both be hoping to get back to winning ways. Let's take a look at the inactive lists from both sides...
49ERS INACTIVES: Davis, Daniels, Harper, James, Stupar, Looney, Baldwin
COLTS INACTIVES: Landry, Williams, Angerer, Satele, Reed, Rogers, Hughes
The big news for the 49ers is that tight end Vernon Davis misses out with a hamstring injury. It's a big blow for the 49ers, who are already short of receivers. It's also disappointing news for Colts cornerback Vontae Davis, who had been expecting to line up opposite his brother in this evening's game.
The Colts will miss safety LaRon Landry, who is the team's leading tackler so far this season. Delano Howell makes his first start for the Colts in Landry's place.
Howell, along with quarterback Andrew Luck, played under 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh during their college careers at Stanford. Harbaugh left Stanford ahead of the 2011 season to take charge of the NFC West side, while Luck and Howell entered the league last year.
There was some good news for the 49ers on the injury front earlier today. Rookie safety Eric Reid passed the final part of the concussion protocol and will play today. The first-round Draft pick has made an impressive start to his NFL career, making nine tackles and two interceptions in the first two games of the season.
The 49ers come into this evening's game following a crushing defeat to NFC West rivals the Seattle Seahawks last week. Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers offense stuttered, scoring just one field goal during the entire content.
The Colts are also coming into this game off the back of a defeat, having narrowly lost out to the Miami Dolphins last week. This will be the AFC South side's first game away from the Lucas Oil Stadium this season.
Courtesy of the 49ers' digital media coordinator, here's a shot of Vontae and Vernon Davis chatting during the team's warm-ups, shortly before the San Francisco tight end was ruled out of the game.
Davis family reunion. @VernonDavis85 & @VontaeDavis23 pic.twitter.com/OfNzZF0vyi — Taylor Price (@TaylorPrice49) September 22, 2013
The Colts made headlines earlier this week when they completed a trade deal with the Cleveland Browns to bring in running back Trent Richardson, who was the third overall pick in last year's Draft. The 23-year-old is active for his new team today.
There have been some fascinating results in the early kickoffs this afternoon, including a first win of the season for the Cleveland Browns, and a heavy defeat for the New York Giants. You can read reports from all of those games on Sports Mole's NFL page.
PREDICTION! With just a couple of minutes until kickoff it's time for a quick prediction. 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is yet to win at home since taking over from Alex Smith as the team's starter mid-way through last season, and I can't see that changing tonight, although it should be a close game. I think the 49ers will win by less than a touchdown.
Phil Dawson kicks off for the 49ers.
Ahmad Bradshaw starts at running back for the Colts. The running back gains three yards from the team's first snap of the game, and wins a penalty after taking an illegal hit from Donte Whitner.
Luck completes a good pass to Darrius Heyward-Bey out wide for a 14-yard gain. He goes for Bradshaw again on the next play. Indianapolis are patiently working their way towards the red zone.
An eight-mark carry from Bradshaw takes the Colts to the 25-yard line, before another solid catch by Heyward-Bey takes them inside the 10. The 49ers defense are yet to have an impact on the Colts.
Luck tries a touchdown pass to Fleener, but Whitner and Patrick Willis block the tight end's path, stopping him just a yard short.
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 7-0 49ers (Richardson)
What a brilliant start to life at the Colts for Trent Richardson. The running back comes onto the field for his first snap in the the Indianapolis jersey, powering his way into the end zone from one-yard out, before Adam Vinatieri easily kicks the extra point.
Kendall Hunter returns the kickoff to the Indianapolis 35 yards line as Kaepernick comes onto the field for the first time this evening. The 49ers quarterback had a poor game against the Seahawks last week, and will be keen to bounce back tonight.
The 49ers offense starts well as Frank Gore carries the ball for seven yards, but a short pass to Kyle Williams on second down is incomplete. Hunter tries for a first down on the next play, but he can't get the yardage, so it's a three and out start for Kaepernick as Andy Lee comes on to punt.
It's not the start that Kaepernick would have wanted. He had just the one passing attempt, but it was an incompletion, while Luck was a perfect five from five on the Colts' first drive.
Navarro Bowman stops TY Hilton just short of a first down, before Luck throws an incomplete pass to Richardson. The 49ers defense are looking a little more alert on this drive, and they manage to stop Hilton picking up a short pass from the quarterback to for Indianapolis to punt the ball away.
Anquan Boldin makes the first reception of the night for the 49ers as he catches a 14-yard effort from Kaepernick to give San Francisco a first down.
Kaepernick keeps the ball to rush for 14 yards and give the 49ers another first down. The team aren't over half-way yet, but their progressing down the field well.
Gore shows his impressive burst of speed to take the 49ers to the Indianapolis 41. The running back has been a key part of the 49ers defense since being drafted in 2005.
It's another big run from Gore to take the 49ers to the Colts' 10-yard line. This is looking like a dangerous drive by the 49ers.
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 7-7 49ers (Hunter)
The 49ers have struggled with their running game in their first two games of the season, but they're having no problems today. Following a couple of impressive carries from Gore to give the 49ers a strong field position, Kaepernick hands the ball off the Kendall Hunter, who cuts superbly through the Colts' defensive line before getting out wide to sprint into the end zone from 13-yards out. Dawson adds the extra point.
Richardson is brought into the offense again, but can only make his way back to the line of scrummage before being stopped by Dorsey and Brooks.
SACK! Aldon Smith, who has been making headlines for his off the field activities this week, sacks Luck on third down, bringing McAfee out to punt.
Kaepernick comes under pressure as he comes out of the pocket looking for Kyle Williams, but he rushes his pass and fails to find the target. It's a quick three and out for the 49ers.
Bradshaw gains 17 yards from two carries. He looks for another first down just before the end of the first quarter, but Justin Smith and Bowman tackle the running back after a gain of six.
END OF FIRST QUARTER: Indianapolis Colts 7-7 San Francisco 49ers
It was a very even opening 15 minutes. The Colts drew first blood, setting up Trent Richardson for his first touchdown for his new team, before some impressive running by the home side allowed Kendall Hunter to level the scores. The Colts will continue their drive on second down.
Erid Reid makes his first tackle of the night, stopping Bradshaw on the run. The Colts running back drops to his knees following the hit, and has to be helped to the sideline. The Colts already injuries at the running back position, so will be hoping that it's nothing too serious.
The 49ers have tweeted that safety Raymond Ventrone is in the locker room being assessed for a concussion. If the 30-year-old is diagnosed with a head injury, that will be the end of his game.
The 49ers offense comes back into the field, and they look to continue their success with the running game, handing the ball off the Gore, who gains three yards before Kaepernick scrambles for a further five. The quarterback attempts a pass to Quinton Patton, but a hit from Howell ensures that it is incomplete, bringing Lee on to punt.
The Colts will start their drive just inside their own half after Hilton returns Lee's punt to the Indianapolis 45.
Reggie Wayne takes his first catch of the day for a five-yard gain before Luck picks out Heyward-Bey again for a first down. The wide receiver joined the Colts as a free agent during the off-season, and looks to be proving a valuable addition today.
Luck scrambles for four yards before looking for Wayne from the next snap. The wide receiver was lining up at the tight end position, but the quarterback fails to make the completion. However, the penalty flag is thrown for illegal holding against Brown. The 49ers really haven't looked their usual slick selves on defense in the opening stages of this tie.
Luck tries a deep touchdown pass to Hilton, but the ball goes too long. Meanwhile, Bradshaw comes back onto the field for the first time since taking a heavy hit from Reid.
Reid blocks Lucks's pass on third down to bring Vinatieri and the field goal unit onto the field.
FIELD GOAL! Colts 10-7 49ers (Vinatieri)
The veteran kicker's 43-yard effort is good. Despite being in his 18th season in the NFL, this is Vinatieri's first game at Candlestick Park.
Kaepernick comes back out. The quarterback looks to pass the ball, but has no receivers open downfield so he goes on the run, but only manages to gain three yards.
Kaepernick completes just his second pass of the night, again finding Boldin, who runs after the catch to gain 24 yards before being dragged down by Howell.
On third down, Kaepernick tries a short pass to Gore, but the running back can't make the catch to give the 49ers a fresh set of downs. Lee comes out to punt for the fourth time during this game.
It's difficult to tell if either side has started to settle into this game yet. So far, it feels like both teams are more concerned with not losing than trying to win. Two of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL are playing it remarkably safe so far.
The Colts start their drive from deep inside their own half. Richardson manages a seven-yard run to take them out to their own 22-yard line, before a short pass out wide the Wayne is stopped at the line of scrimmage. On 3rd and three, the Colts take their first timeout.
After their timeout, the Colts quickly secure a first down through a seven-yard pass to Bradshaw. The Colts are in a strong position to add to their score before half time.
TWO-MINUTE WARNING! Richardson comes back onto the field, taking a quick four-yard carry before being stopped by Patrick Willis just before the two-minute warning.
The 49ers have confirmed that Ventrone has suffered a concussion and will therefore miss the rest of the game. The team have plenty of safeties available, but it's still a big loss to the home defense.
The Colts reach midfield following a couple of short gains by Fleener and Brown, but come up inches short of a first down. They chose to go for it on fourth down, but take another timeout with less than half a minute to go until half time.
Indianapolis decide to punt instead, giving the 49ers offense a chance to push for a quick score before the end of the second quarter.
The 49ers offense comes back out deep inside their own half. Kaepernick looks for a long pass to give the team a chance of scoring, but he has no receiver open and has to take a knee, and the team will let the clock run down to end the second quarter.
END OF SECOND QUARTER: Indianapolis Colts 10-7 San Francisco 49ers
An Adam Vinatieri field goal is all that separates the 49ers and the Colts after a cagey first half at Candlestick Park. Neither side has been able to take control of the game so far, resulting in few scoring chances for either team.
Andrew Luck put up strong figures in the opening half, completing 12 of 17 attempts for 94 yards, but has struggled for long gains. Meanwhile, the 49ers receivers have been unable to get free for Colin Kaepernick, who has completed just 38 passing yards so far, forcing the team to turn to their running game.
The 49ers finished the half with 102 rushing yards with only 64 for the Colts. Frank Gore in particular has looked lively on the ground, with 70 yards for San Francisco so far.
The defenses from both teams have struggled to make plays. Both sides make just the one sack, while there were no interceptions or forced fumbles. With neither firing on all cylinders, the defense may have to step up in the second half.
Vinatieri kicks off the third quarter.
Gore has a couple of short gains at the start of the drive before Kaepernick finds Vance McDonald, who is filling it for Vernon Davis at tight end.
Kaepernick tries to scramble for the first down, but Bethea makes an solid tackle to stop the quarterback reaching the marker to bring Andy Lee onto the field again. The 49ers punter has been made to work so far this evening.
The 49ers defense manages to keep all of the Colts receivers tied up, but Luck shows surprising pace to get the first down, running out of bounds at the Indianapolis 44.
Brown gets another first down after picking up 16 before taking a hard hit from Reid. With the Colts on the San Francisco 37, the home side elect to take a timeout.
Luck completes a pass to Wayne for a first down. The prolific wide receiver has been kept relatively quiet by the 49ers defense so far today.
Luck is sent running backwards as he comes under pressure from Justin Smith. The quarterback just manages to get the ball out of his hands before the defensive end makes the tackle, forcing the Colts to bring their field goal unit out again.
FIELD GOAL! Colts 13-7 49ers (Vinatieri)
The 41-yard kick is no problem for Vinatieri as he gives the Colts a six-point advantage. With scoring opportunities still seemingly few and far between, the 49ers really need to find the end zone on their next drive.
After starting the drive with an incomplete pass to Gore, Kaepernick manages to find Boldin for a gain of eight. The 49ers' receivers are still struggling to shake the Colts' defensive players, leaving the quarterback with few options.
A rare pass to Miller for a gain of 10 gives the 49ers a first down before Gore rushes for 11 on the next play. The home side are patiently building as they looks to overturn the Colts' six-point advantage.
The niners just make it into Indianapolis territory before facing third down. Boldin manages to gain nine yards, but it's not enough for the first down, ending the drive.
The 49ers need someone to step up and make a big play. Boldin is the only player to have more than one reception for Jim Harbaugh's side, and the Colts have started to figure out the rushing threat from Frank Gore.
After two poor rushing attempts, Luck initially tries a short pass to Wayne, but no-one tackles the wide receiver, and he manages to gain 25 yards. 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis appears to have picked up an injury during the play. He manages to make it to the sideline with minimal assistance, and the hosts will be hoping that he can make a swift return.
Wayne is making up for his quiet start to the game, as he loses Bowman on the run to haul in a 19-yard pass from Luck, giving the Colts another first down at the San Francisco 45.
END OF THIRD QUARTER: Indianapolis Colts 13-7 San Francisco 49ers
It's a good start to the fourth and final quarter by Ahmad Bradshaw, as he quickly secures a a first down from two short carries.
Luck's pass is almost picked off by Bowman, but Richardson just gets a fingertip to the ball to tip it away from the linebacker. An incomplete pass to Wayne on the next play brings Vinatieri out for a 51-yard field goal attempt.
MISSED FIELD GOAL! The kicker pulls his attempt marginally wide of the up right, giving the 49ers a strong starting position for their next drive.
SACK! Kaepernick is brought down by Mathis for a loss of seven, completing a quick three and out for the 49ers. The home side have only had one decent drive all night, and are running out of time if they're to get back in this game.
More bad news for the 49ers, star linebacker Patrick Willis will not return after picking up a groin injury. Colts defensive tackle Riccky Jean Francois is also out with a similar complaint, while Ahmad Bradshaw is receiving treatment for neck pain on the sideline.
A couple of short passes to TY Hilton and Darrius Heywayd-Bey give the Colts a first down, but they're still a long way from the red zone, as they finish at the Indianapolis 32.
Luck target Heyward-Bey again, but the wide receiver can't make the catch. However, the officials award a penalty against the 49ers for pass interference. There have been too many penalties from San Francisco this evening. With the scores still close, they may feel that discipline has cost them today.
The Colts think they're going to have to punt, but again the 49ers are penalised, this time for a holding foul, gifting their opponents a first down. These penalties are getting really costly for the home team.
Bradshaw finds a huge gap through the 49ers' defensive line, taking the ball inside the 49ers' 20-yard line before being tackled by Asomugha, who appears to pick up an ankle injury as a result.
A fantastic block from Havili on the 13-yard line allows Bradshaw to continue his impressive performance today, bursting towards the end zone, being tackled just five yards short by Reid.
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 20-7 49ers (Luck)
The quarterback cleverly disguises a fake hand-off to Bradshaw. All the 49ers players focus on the running back, and fail to notice Luck break out to the left sideline before sprinting into the end zone. Vinatieri adds the extra point, leaving the 49ers needing two scoring drives with just over four minutes on the clock.
TURNOVER! It's a disastrous drive from the 49ers. After a couple of incomplete passes to Boldin and Moore, Kaepernick is sacked by Freeman, and fumbles to ball on the way down, while Conner recovers. That play should secure the win for the Colts.
Bradshaw bursts towards the end zone, but he's held up at the one-yard line by Bowman. The running back has 94 rushing yards today, the majority of which came after half time.
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 27-7 49ers (Bradshaw)
Bradshaw gets a well-deserved touchdown, smashing his way through the 49ers' defense. The running back has been mighty in the second half! Vinatieri swiftly adds the extra point.
Patton initially misses the catch on the return, eventually managing to get the ball out to the San Francisco 12. Boldin manages to get free to give the 49ers a first down, but they've got a long way to go before they can think about getting a touchdown from this drive.
TWO-MINUTE WARNING! An incomplete pass to McDonald brings up the two-minute warning with the 49ers on their own 27-yard line.
Kaepernick tries a long pass to Williams, who is wide open, but the quarterback's attempt fails to find the target. The 49ers' offense really hasn't performed today.
Williams manages to get a first down on the next play to keep the 49ers' drive alive. Celek hauls in a 30-yard pass, which is the home sides longest play of the game. The 49ers play again on Thursday, and a late touchdown would be a welcome confidence boost for the NFC West side.
INTERCEPTION! Kaepernick tosses the ball deep, looking for a touchdown, but it's picked off by Cassius Vaughn. Luck and the offense will come back out for the final few seconds of the game.
END OF FOURTH QUARTER: Indianapolis Colts 27-7 San Francisco 49ers
Luck takes a knee, allowing the Colts to run down the clock. The Colts are one of just three teams to have won away from home so far in week three.
Ahmad Bradshaw stole the headlines from fellow Colts running back Trent Richardson, finishing the game with 95 rushing yards and a touchdown. It was a strong performance by the Indianapolis defence too, taking three sacks, an interception and forcing a fumble from Colin Kaepernick.
The 49ers have plenty of work to do ahead of their Thursday night trip to St Louis to face the Rams. With Willis and Asomugha picking up injuries, last year's beaten Super Bowl finallists could find themselves stretched again in their next game.
Well that's all from Candlestick Park this evening, but stick around for reports from all of tonight's NFL games, and join us again tomorrow night when Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos will host the Oakland Raiders. Until then, thanks for joining me this evening, goodbye.
Written by
Sian Cowper
Sian Cowper
