San Francisco 49ers: The Good And The Bad From Sunday’s Win

Oct 6, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive back Tramaine Brock (26) intercepts a pass from Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) during the first quarter at Candlestick Park. Tramaine Brock scored on the play. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Many people predicted that the San Francisco 49ers would beat the Houston Texans. But not many people predicted the romp that took place at Candlestick Park yesterday evening. The 49ers destroyed the Texans by a score of 34-3.

The 49ers seemed to be on the top of their game, while the Texans seemed to be struggling with confidence issues among other things. Although this game was fun to watch for a 49ers’ fan, it is not all sunshine and rainbows in Santa Clara. There was still the good and the bad. There are still some questions that need to be answered and problems that need to be addressed.

The Good

Tramaine Brock: Brock had the game of his career last night. He had two interceptions and one that he returned for a touchdown. He played excellent coverage all night and almost had another interception if he had not been interfered with. If Nnamdi Asomugah weren’t sweating after Brock’s strong performance in the Rams’ game, he sure is now. It looks like it is pretty safe to say that Brock has taken the #3 job away from Asomugah. It is now his job to lose.

The Defense: The defense played absolutely lights out last night. They did not give up a single touchdown and forced four turnovers. Arian Foster and Ben Tate did not run all over them, and they kept the Texans’ receiving weapons in check. Even with big names like Patrick Willis, Aldon Smith, and Nnamdi Asomugha out, the defense still played exceptionally well. If they are playing this well with a number of starters injured, then just imagine how they’ll play when everyone is healthy. The NFL is going to learn to fear the 49ers’ defense once again.

The Run Game: While J.J. Watt did get his plays, the offensive line did a good job overall limiting his impact. They handled the Texans’ defensive front seven for the most of the game, allowing for Frank Gore and company to run for 177 yards and two touchdowns.. After watching the performances of the last two games, it appears that the 49ers’ dominant run game is back.

The Bad

The Passing Game: Is it the receivers that are making the passing game look bad, or is it the Quarterback? What came first? The chicken or the egg? In reality, it is most likely a little bit of both. It is not secret that the 49ers are on their last leg regarding their receiving corps, but what is the quarterback helping them out? While most are currently caught up in the train wreck that is Matt Schaub, but on the other sideline, Colin Kaepernick did not have such a hot game either.

Kaepernick only went 6/15 with 113 yards and one touchdown. And even then, 64 of those yards and the single touchdown came on one play to Vernon Davis. Now fans will jump and shout how there was no need to throw and that they changed the game plan to fit the current game, and that is all fine and dandy. Those things are true and no one would be worried if this were a single occurrence. But Kaepernick has now had three games like this and it is beginning to become worrisome. It is true that Kaepernick is playing with below average receivers, so he still has the benefit of the doubt. The 49ers just better hope that it is the receivers faults and not the Quarterback’s. Kaepernick has proven he has all the tools to win and be any type of Quarterback that the game calls for. He has won with his legs and his arm. So it’s not far fetched to believe that he just needs some help on the outside because the Quarterback can’t do it alone. Hell, even Tom Brady is struggling with his inexperienced receiving corps. All the 49ers need to do is hope that their running game keeps plowing them to victory, and wait for their injured weapons to return.

Overall, this was a very good game for the 49ers. Now they just need to enjoy it and look on to their division rival the Arizona Cardinals, who are coming to Candlestick next week.