San Francisco

Garoppolo Brilliant in Leading 49ers Over Texans

Quarterback has first 300-yard passing game, and Colbert forces key fumble, as 49ers beat Houston 26-16

Jimmy Garoppolo will get much of the credit for the 49ers victory over the Houston Texans Sunday, and deservedly so.

Garoppolo, in just his second start, was even better than he was in last week’s victory over the Bears. Against Houston, he completed 20-of-33 throws for 334 yards and a touchdown in San Francisco’s 26-16 victory — its second straight. After starting the season 1-10, the Niners are now 3-10 – and 2-0 with Garoppolo as the starting quarterback.

But safety Adrian Colbert also deserves some credit.

With the 49ers up 23-16 with 6:31 remaining in the game, the Texans had the ball with plenty of time to get another score or two. But on a short pass to DeAndre Hopkins, Colbert, a rookie, popped Hopkins hard and knocked the ball loose. It was recovered by Aaron Lynch at the Houston 32. Four plays later, the 49ers’ Robbie Gould kicked a 41-yard field goal and the 49ers had a 26-16 lead with just 3:50 remaining. The Texans were done.

Garoppolo again spread the ball around, completing passes to eight different receivers, with wide receiver Marquise Goodwin the No. 1 target with six catches for 106 yards. Tight end Garret Celek had perhaps the most memorable catch, a 61-yard catch-and-run play for 61 yards in which he broke several tackles and set the 49ers up for a third quarter touchdown, a 6-yard catch by Celek. Running back Carlos Hyde had 78 yards and a TD on 14 carries.

How good has Garoppolo been in his two starts? With 293 passing yards in start No. 1 and 334 yards Sunday, he has the most yards passing (627) for any QB making his first two starts for the 49ers since the NFL merger in 1970.

On defense, rookie linebacker Rueben Foster was in on eight tackles and the 49ers collected three sacks.

The 49ers will try to go for three in a row this coming Sunday when they host the Tennessee Titans at Levi’s Stadium.

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