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Texans @ 49ers: Recap of the 1st Half With Commentary

With the third Texans preseason game wrapped up, I finally was able to sit down and rewatch the game to assess it. Before I get into my analysis of the Texans game, there have been 2 points that I would like to address. It seems there was an issue that was quite the talk on BRB today (Sunday) and it was regarding a yahoo article written by Chris Chase in regards to Arian Foster's twitter post saying those who play fantasy football and are only concerned about him because of his fantasy numbers are sick. Chris Chase goes on to say in his article that no one cares about Foster and they only care about his performance. He continues on arguing that possibly fantasy fandom is less pathetic than actual fandom then rips the Texans and their fans. When I read the article, I immediately took offense to what was said. For Chris Chase to say that no one sincerely cares about Foster is downright pitiful and uncalled for. What Chris fails to see is that there are family, friends and many other people who know Foster and his twitter account, that DO care what happens to him no matter what performance he may put out and whom continue to pray for his success. As for the Texans fanbase, most can say that we love his attitude and the image he creates on how to succeed in life, not just in the NFL. His story of perseverance and his never give up attitude is truly inspiring and if I ever have kids, I would be more than happy to see my kids follow in those footsteps. It's extremely hard to root against this guy even if he doesn't succeed. I really took it to heart when he said fantasy fandom is less pathetic than actual fandom. Growing up, football has been my passion and something that holds a special place in my heart. I recalled a night where the superbowl was playing and I had to go to bed because of school the next day. I was really young and had an early curfew. I remembered trying to make excuses to stay up and at some point started crying just so I could see it, I eventually won. For me, that is true fandom and the passion I have for the game. This may be a bad example but can Chris truly say that cheering for your country in the World Cup is more pathetic than cheering for an all-star soccer team like Manchester United? I doubt it.

As for the second point, I was glad to see the extra security measures taken at Candlestick. There was more security guards, DUI checkpoints and even the NFL security chief was there and sat with fans. Guns and violence should never have a place in any sport.

Now on to my analysis which I will only analyze the first half since that was when most of our starters were out.

Texans Drive #1 - Texans won the toss and they elected to start on offense (has Kubiak ever elected to defer when he's won the toss before???) Anyways on kickoff, Sherrick McManis started off on kickoff duties and took it to the 18 yard line, which confirms it that Demps and Townsel are clearly going to be cut. The Texans offense took the field and they called for a screen. Matt Shaub threw it and Ahmad Brooks (49ers LB) read the play perfectly and took it to the house for a pick 6. That was on Shaub because that screen was going to be busted anyways since Foster was covered. Score: 49ers 7 - Texans 0

Texans Drive #2 - Kickoff again, to the 15 yard. On the first play, it shows why Foster is so valuable to this team. Not only is he a great runner but he's a good receiver too. After the reception, he made the 49ers player miss in open field and gained some good yardage. Next play, Shaub to none other than Andre Johnson on a crossing route. What guy can say that they don't have a man-crush on this guy? LOL... Some good runs by Foster and a good tackle by Patrick Willis to prevent foster from gaining a first down on one of them. The first backup RB to come out is Derrick Ward so that was interesting. James Casey is really impressing me with how many more options the Texans have now. Several plays later, Shaub throws a catchable pass to Jacoby Jones and Jacoby can't catch it. Why Jacoby, why? Anyways, Neil Rackers gives us 3 points. Score: 49ers 7 - Texans 3

49ers Drive #1 - Good kickoff coverage by the Texans. And now it's Johnathan Joseph's debut with Kareem Jackson opposite of him (looks like KJax will be your starting CB2.) [Side note #1: With what I saw throughout the first half, both QB's, Kaepernick and Smith (Smith looked terrible while Kaepernick was better but not by much, which is expected of a rookie) always threw the opposite direction of where Jo Jo was covering and having him in the field, I felt there was a lot of confidence coming from the secondary.] Cushing had a tackle on the first run by the 49ers on Anthony Dixon (Gore was told he would not play by Harbaugh.) Mario Williams looked much better with planting his feet right before the snap and it was definitely an improvement. Kjax gave up a 7-8 yard first down to Ted Ginn Jr which was a little disappointing since Ginn is not that great of a NFL player. Earl Mitchell was inactive for this game and Cody had two nice back to back run stops. Barwin totally beat his man and sacked Alex Smith to end the 49ers drive. Score: 49ers 7 - Texans 3

Texans Drive #3 -  Starts off with a good reception from James Casey for a first down. On that same play (5:47ish left in the 1st) is when I noticed Foster gingerly running and he started to touch the back of his left leg a lot while going back to the huddle. You could tell he was trying to stretch the left leg and even tried running in place to warm it up. I believe this was the first signs of when he would reaggravate his hammy. Couple of more plays and Walter makes a nice catch for a first down. Good route and good job of Shaub placing it where only Walter can catch. [Side note #2: There was a good amount of penalties and several turnovers in this game.] One of the penalties for holding by the Texans came after the Walter's catch. On the ensuing play, Foster clearly reaggravated his hammy and he was noticeably pissed as he hobbled to the sideline. After Foster left, there was a holding penalty on Dre by the 49ers and Dre makes them pay on the ensuing play by getting a reception near the 1 yard. Couple of plays later, Derrick Ward punches it in with a great block from Casey. Score: 49ers 7 - Texans 10

49ers Drive #2 - First play of the drive had bad coverage by Barwin to allow #94 Morgan to gain an easy 9 yards after starting on the 20 from the previous kickoff. End of the 1st quarter. On the beginning 49ers play of the 2nd quarter, Antonio Smith with a sack on Alex Smith and Mario Williams with excellent pressure (Williams would of gotten the sack if Smith wasn't there first.) Good hand usage by Mario to shed his blocker. 49ers #77 clearly missed a block that allowed Smith to come in practically unblocked. Next play, Antonio and Mario with great pressure again to force Alex Smith to throw an early/high pass to Ginn that was ruled out of bounds. KJax was a tad lucky that it was thrown high and that Ginn didn't keep his feet in bounds. 49ers forced to punt. Score: 49ers 7 - Texans 10

Texans Drive #4 - Looks as though Harbaugh pulled some of his first string defenders out as Patrick Willis is not seen. Anyways, Shaub to Walter on a nice slant by Walter for good yardage. Next play, Ben Tate makes an appearance! Made the defender miss for a good 5 yards. Crazy stat at this point: Time of posession for Texans is 11:35 to the 49ers 4:41 with 11 first downs for the texans to the 49ers 1...... Several plays later after a 5 yard 49ers penalty, Derrick Ward loses half a yard on a 3rd and 1. At this moment, I remember when it was airing live, I was yelling for Kubiak to go for it even though I had my doubts. Surprisingly, Kubiak elects to go for it and gets a 1st down on a QB sneak. Well played Kubiak, well played. Several plays later on a 3rd and 3, Shaub passes to OD for a HUGE gain to the 49ers 10 yard line. Aldon Smith (yes THAT guy) had no chance of covering OD that time. [Side note #3: From what I saw in this game, Aldon still has a ways to go in both pressure and coverage.] Another holding penalty on the Texans on the next play. [Side note #4: Carlos Rogers did a decent job covering Andre in this game.] On 2nd and goal, nice delay hand off to Ben tate as he does a couple of cuts for a good gain. Next play, Shaub to OD in tight coverage for a TD. Beautiful catch by OD on this play because he had 2 niners defenders closing on him. Score: 49ers 7 - Texans 17

49ers Drive #3 - First play, JJ Watt with an excellent diving tackle on Dixon for loss yardage. JJ shot the gap perfectly that time. Interesting tid bit is that on this play we see for the first time Brooks and Barwin lining up opposite of each other in the OLB spot with no Mario. Colin Kaepernick replaces Alex Smith on the ensuing drive and he throws to his receiver who drops it. Kareem with a good hit on the receiver, though it was low and wide. Next play, Kaepernick with a nice patient throw to convert a 3rd and 12. Mario comes back in and Kendall Hunter with a good run. Next, Kaepernick rushes a throw to Braylon Edwards with JoJo covering and pressure from Mario and Sharpton. Joseph very handsy with Braylon on that play but not too handsy for a penalty, great job JoJo. Next play, Super Mario jumps OVER Kendall Hunter, who tries to cut block him and the pass is deflected by JJ Watt (man does he have great anticipation.) However, Mario and Barwin get a roughing the passer call on a late hit on Kaepernick. Couple of plays later, Kaepernick tries to throw a pass to Braylon who was clearly covered by JoJo and Troy Nolan. Nolan picks off Kaepernick and returns it to the house. Great read by Nolan but what I was most impressed by was Mario. If he didn't get in front of those 3 niner defenders and basically blocked/clogged them up, Nolan would probably have been tackled before he could score. Score: 49ers 7 - Texans 24

49ers Drive #4 - On 3rd and 4, Cushing had great coverage on the TE to force a 3 and out. Tim Jamison and Damione Lewis also had some great run stoppage a couple of plays earlier. Score: 49ers 7 - Texans 24

Texans Drive # 5 - Jacoby with a great punt return but then he fumbles.... Lucky roll of the ball to the sidelines and Texans retain possession. Phew! Shaub again to Walter, who again runs a nice route. Ward fumbles on the next play..... Turnovers are defintiely something to work on this coming week. Score: 49ers 7 - Texans 24

49ers Drive #5 - Alex Smith is back out and on the first play of the drive, has his throw batted down by JJ and............ Shaun Cody? Huh?? JJ Watt batting down passes must be contagious... 2 plays later, Cushing and Watt get great penetration to kill the 49ers drive. Score: 49ers 7 - Texans 24

Texans Drive #6 - Started off with some good passes to OD and Andre until OD fumbles the ball near the 50 on 2nd and 10. Score: 49ers 7 - Texans 24

49ers Drive #6 - With Cushing, Mario, Smith, Watt and Barwin lined up on the front, they get penetration and get a nice hit on Alex Smith. Ouch! as the crowd continues to boo Alex Smith. Second play of that drive, Antonio Smith lays one on Alex Smith with Barwin also getting a lick in, forcing Alex to throw earlier than he anticipated. Nolan intercepts the ball again. More boos. Funny thing about this play in slow mo is that Mario just throws down #75 to the ground. Score: 49ers 7 - Texans 24

Texans Drive #7 - On the last play of the half, Ben Tate gets a good run to the outside. That's the end of the second quarter. Score: 49ers 7 - Texans 24

That's all I saw from the first half. Some quick notes about the 2nd half. Leinart played well, Keo had a nice return, along with some good tackles, and Ogbonnaya had some good run averages. What about everyone else? What did you see that I didn't?

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