HOUSTON – Pass after pass, Jimmy Garoppolo found his target, the chains moved and the 49ers passing attack looked ready to pounce on its regular-season challengers.
Saturday night’s opening-series, touchdown drive went so smooth the 49ers kept Garoppolo in for an encore. That second possession went swell until it a couple penalties and an interception off a tipped pass against the host Houston Texans.
Garoppolo’s stat line (10-of-12, 136 yards, one touchdown, one interception) reflected more than his familiar poise and accuracy. His receivers and offensive line stepped up, just as they did last December when the 49ers won here in Garoppolo’s second start.