San Francisco 49ers: Takeaways after the first two preseason games
The San Francisco 49ers dropped their first game with Jimmy Garoppolo starting under center on Saturday night against the Houston Texans.
Not to worry, Niner fans, it is only preseason, and Jimmy G’s immaculate 7-0 record as a regular-season starter is still intact. But it is worth noting that this was the first time the San Francisco 49ers have tasted defeat since last November.
But, the second preseason game was another good indicator of where the team stands two weeks away from the season opener. Some good, and some not so good — some, in fact, pretty bad. But all in all, there have been more encouraging signs than not for 49er fans.
On Saturday, Jimmy Garoppolo and the starting offense played two possessions — one more possession than they did against the Dallas Cowboys.
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During the first drive, the offense looked to be in mid-season form, capping off their a 78-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown pass to Trent Taylor. There was a lot to like from the first offensive possession, including a 40-yard connection between Garoppolo and Marquise Goodwin down the left sideline.
The second drive didn’t end so well. The offense again moved the ball down the field, deep into the Texans’ territory. But two significant penalties by Weston Richburg put the offense on a first-and-35 situation from the Houston 37-yard line.
The next play was a deep pass over the middle that bounced off the hands of Dante Pettis and led to an interception by cornerback Johnson Bademosi. The ball was a little overthrown but did go through Pettis’ hands, so it’s up in the air who should take the blame for that interception.
Garoppolo finished 10 of 12 for 136 yards and one touchdown and interception. Goodwin (three catches for 61 yards) and Kyle Juszczyk (two catches for 29 yards) led the first-team with 90 combined receiving yards.
The first team defense also played two series. They allowed a touchdown on an 11-play, 79-yard drive capped off by a one-yard touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson to former 49er, Bruce Ellington. The defense was able to hold the Texans to a three-and-out on their second possession.
There were some good glimpses on both sides of the ball for the 49ers. Let’s check-in to see where the 49ers’ team outlook is after their first two preseason games.