Originally posted by GNielsen:
Originally posted by dj43:
A win is a win, even if the opposing team just hands it to you.
The utter failure of the passing game offsets any great joy over the running game. The defense was good, not great. Schaub handing us the ball three times makes the defense look better than it was.
I'm guessing that the coaches and players on the Niners would argue with the proposition that the Texans just handed the game to them. Both of Brock's interceptions were exceptional defensive plays - the first one was a design man-to-zone shift set up for that kind of offense play they had obviously seen on film; the second one was a great play - he stayed with his man while watching Schaub's eyes. Schaub tried to look him off, but Brock was just on top of it. Brock was incredible last night. To say they just gave him those turnovers gives him absolutely no respect for playing a great game. Jerrod-Eddie's interception came on a classic zone blitz with a lineman backing up into a space the QB doesn't expect anyone to be occupying. Let's give the Niner defense a little credit for creating those plays, okay?
And I wouldn't be so quick to describe the passing game as an "utter failure." They only attempted 15. They hit on a 64-yard TD against one of the best pass defenses in the league. Yes, the passing game needs lots of work, but let's not panic here.
Yes, Brock played well, however, in both situations, there were keys that a veteran like Schaub should have seen. Collinsworth pointed out the first one immediately after the play. Still, Brock had to make the play. That aside, Houston played fairly well until it was 21-0. At that point, I just did not see the effort anymore from anyone not named Watt.
Davis' long TD was just blown coverage on a play they should have seen on film half a dozen times. Take that away and the numbers are not good. It is just puzzling the Roman has more weapons he could be using but doesn't. NO will be a huge test. Sean Peyton's return has proven he is one of the best coaches in the league and has the Saints playing at a very high level, offensively and defensively. We will need to have a far more diversified passing game hitting on all cylinders by the time that game rolls around. That game may determine who has home field advantage and who doesn't.