San Francisco 49ers: 3 Big takeaways from Preseason Week 2

The San Francisco 49ers were beaten 16-13 in their second preseason game with the Texans, but there were plenty of positives. We look at three big takeaways.

The San Francisco 49ers suffered defeat in their second preseason game against the Houston Texans, which produced plenty of positives for head coach Kyle Shanahan to reflect on.

Jimmy Garoppolo and the first-team offense enjoyed greater success than they did in the exhibition opener. A number of young players flashed on defense, though it is clear that group is far from the finished product.

Here we look at three big takeaways from the 16-13 loss.

Garoppolo, starters look regular-season ready

Garoppolo was up and down against Dallas but looked every bit the player who led the Niners on a five-game winning run to end last season. He went 10-of-12 for 136 yards and a touchdown to Trent Taylor who, along with Marquise Goodwin, was a go-to target on the first string’s two series. Continuing a theme from 2017, Garoppolo hit Taylor consistently on third down while also connecting with Goodwin on a deep completion on the opening series.

A high throw that was tipped by Dante Pettis saw Garoppolo’s time in the game end on a sour note. However, for the most part Garoppolo took advantage of the impressive level of protection he was afforded in a strong pass-blocking game from the offensive line. Two penalties for 25 yards called on center Weston Richburg preceded the interception. Shanahan labelled the 49ers’ 15 penalties for 140 yards “extremely disappointing and “unacceptable”.

He will have been similarly unimpressed by the run blocking.

Jeremy McNichols and Joe Williams again struggled to find room, rushing for 46 yards on a combined 18 carries. The battle for the final running back spot on the depth chart will likely be decided by the third preseason game.

Garnett stakes his claim at right guard

The right guard competition came alive on Saturday as Joshua Garnett made his first appearance of preseason and excelled. Garnett played deep into the second half having replaced Mike Person in the first quarter and produced a strong all-round performance. Save for one pressure in the third quarter, he was very impressive in pass protection and appeared a superior run blocker to Person.

Indeed, Garnett was smooth in getting to the second level and also fared much better than Jonathan Cooper. Cooper’s Niners debut was a disappointing one. The former Cowboy was flagged for holding and had difficulties in pass protection against third-stringers.

It’s too early to say whether Garnett now has the lead over Person for the job, but he can now be considered very much in the frame to start Week 1.

Ward’s preseason woes go on

After conceding a 30-yard touchdown to Michael Gallup against the Cowboys, cornerback Jimmie Ward had another rough outing. DeShaun Watson played just one series, but Ward was still picked on by Brandon Weeden as he continually struggled to cover Sammie Coates.

Meanwhile rookie Tarvarius Moore made an outstanding play to tip a pass into Emmanuel Moseley’s hands for an interception. D.J. Reed received a large amount of reps at nickel and had a 45-yard kick return, while Greg Mabin and Tavarus McFadden each broke up passes.

With numerous young players in the secondary catching the eye, it is becoming increasingly tough to make a case for Ward staying on the roster.

The defensive position group with the most depth is undoubtedly the defensive line, and Sheldon Day and D.J. Jones both enjoyed strong outings. Jones, the heir apparent to Earl Mitchell at 1-technqiue defensive tackle, forced two fumbles and clearly has the talent to prove another late-round gem for the 49ers having been picked in the sixth round last year.

For as much the Niners can afford to be thrilled with their play on the interior, the lack of production from the pass rush has to be a cause for concern.

Though Jeremiah Attaochu flashed some ability to pressure the quarterback in his preseason debut, the 49ers did not have a single sack and the decision to not invest more at edge rusher in the offseason continues to be a puzzling one.