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49ers vs. Colts: Top 3 questions to answer for San Francisco in Week 5

By Robert Smith

INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 01: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers runs for a touchdown during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 1, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won 18-14. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 01: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers runs for a touchdown during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 1, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won 18-14. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers walks off the field during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers in overtime 18-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers walks off the field during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers in overtime 18-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Can QB Brian Hoyer get  on track?

So far in 2017, it has been a disaster for Brian Hoyer.

While the numbers are bad enough, Hoyer has actually been worse than the numbers. His inconsistency, inaccuracy, and turnovers are all issues head coach Kyle Shanahan did not think would be an issue with this veteran QB.

With the success so far running the ball, the 49ers should be able to work well out of play action. It is an area where Hoyer has actually found some success:

Even with a struggling defense, Colts rookie Malik Hooker has three interceptions, Rashaan Melvin has two and the team got veteran cornerback Vontae Davis back last week as well.

Yes, the Colts are young and inexperienced. Yes, they have been exploited at times this season. But if Hoyer is not accurate and making bad decisions, the Colts secondary will be very opportunistic.

Perhaps Shanahan utilizes wide receivers Trent Taylor and Pierre Garcon and even fullback Kyle Juszczyk in shorter routes, screens, and quick slants (a la West Coast offense) to get the ball out of Hoyer’s hands quicker.

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It would also help if the 49er receivers held onto the ball. According to Pro Football Focus, the Niners receivers lead the NFL with 12 dropped passes through the first four games of the season.

If running back Carlos Hyde can get rolling against the Colts defense, it would allow Hoyer the ability to use play action, and as long as he doesn’t turn the ball over, the 49ers could actually move the ball on a defense that surrendered 477 yards and 46 points to Seattle last week.

Next: How to get Brian Hoyer back on track vs. Colts

This week is an excellent opportunity for San Francisco to pick up their first win in 2017. Let’s hope the 49ers continue to grow and take advantage of a weak opponent on the road in Indianapolis.