Opponent Scouting Report: 49ers Wide Receivers

A former Colt, Pierre Garcon, leads an inexperienced group of wide receivers into Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Indianapolis Colts.

Colts fans fondly remember Garcon from his days in Indianapolis. Drafted in 2008 by the Colts, Garcon spent 4 years in Indianapolis catching passes from soon-to-be Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning.

Garcon snagged a big pay day in 2012 with the Washington Redskins. While he never eclipsed more than 6 touchdowns in a season, Garcon did lead the league in receptions in 2013 with 113. Garcon, after leaving the Redskins in free agency this past spring, signed a 5-year $47.5 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers. On the season, Garcon has 20 receptions for 285 yards through 4 games.

Former Buffalo Bill, Marquise Goodwin, starts opposite Garcon in the Niners receiving corps. Goodwin has only 9 catches for 127 yards on the season.

Aldrick Robinson, the fifth-year man out of SMU, and rookie slot receiver Trent Taylor from Louisiana Tech round out the 49ers wide receivers. Taylor is the only Niners wide out to catch a touchdown pass so far this season.

Though a bit long in the tooth, Garcon still possesses great speed, and is the obvious big-play threat that the Colts secondary needs to lock down. Look for Vontae Davis to be matched up quite a bit with Garcon throughout the afternoon.

More from Horseshoe Heroes

• Colts explored hiring former quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky
• When is the NFL Combine 2023? NFL Combine schedule, events, how to stream
• Latest NFL mock draft has Colts trading up to No. 1 for star QB
• Eagles offensive free agents that could follow Shane Steichen to Colts
• Here’s why Colts linebacker Shaq Leonard is going to love Shane Steichen

Goodwin, who has the ability to beat his defenders deep, may attempt to run some deep posts and go routes in an effort to take the top off the defense. Malik Hooker and Matthias Farley will have to remain disciplined in coverage, so as not to allow the big play.

Taylor could be the wild card in this game. He will likely be working the middle of the field, and if he gets matched up against a linebacker in space, he could create a lot of  problems for the Colts. If Jon Bostic, roaming the middle of the Indianapolis defense, and the Colts secondary can keep Taylor and company in check, they have a great chance to earn their second win of the season.