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Was the Alex Smith-led second half as good as we thought?
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Houston Texans safety Eugene Wilson (26) returns an interception during the fourth quarter that ends the San Francisco 49ers' comeback. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
It would be easy for anyone to jump the gun and say that quarterback Alex Smith's performance against the Texans was a sign of things to come. Granted his three touchdown passes on 15-22 passing for 206 yards was very impressive. He had a 142.1 passer rating before his final pass ended up being intercepted by Texans safety Eugene Wilson. Smith finished with a 118.6 rating.
But not to get over excited, the 49ers offense was given a little slack in the second half. The defensive pressure for the Texans did let up a little after jumping to a 21-0 lead. Also, the 49ers offense went through a lot of changes to make the potential comeback possible. I'm sure the Texans weren't ready to face Smith under center. And the preparation for Michael Crabtree must have been difficult since the only game film the Texans have are from his college days. And the changeup in the offensive line with Tony Wragge and Barry Sims gave Smith engouh time in the pocket to get his passes off.
How much of the Texans defense, which changed their approach with second half lead, led to the furious aerial attack by the 49ers? Seeing how Smith played, it would be right on the nose for anyone to see that Smith is that answer to the team's struggling offense. These are one of the situations in where the 49ers have to put Smith back out there again to see if he can do it again.
The Texans in the first half were not the same Texans we saw in the second half. And given the necessity to pass the ball in order to complete the comeback, Smith had to be in shotgun, in the spread formation to pass the ball. Smith was in something he was comfortable with and the soft defense allowed the 49ers to pick away at the deficit.
We'll be wondering the possibilities had Smith played an entire game. And there is also that possibility about Shaun Hill had he been given a chance to finish the game.
Smith right now has generated a huge buzz in the Bay Area and a potential quarterback controversy is in the mix. Head coach Mike Singletary has to make a state on this issue and I expect him to clarify all of it in today's press conferenec at 12:15 PM. But what do you think about the starting quarterback issue? Vote in the poll.
Follow me on Twitter for updates. Check me out here @SLam49ers
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