Every year, I tell myself that the fourth preseason game really isn't that bad, but the San Francisco 49ers just dominated the Houston Texans from start to finish and I was totally uninterested for the majority of the proceedings. Attempting to pay attention to that game was definitely an endeavor, but I think I managed to watch most of it. When I go to make some gifs, I'll watch the parts I missed.
Obviously, everyone is talking about the backup quarterback situation. Josh Johnson looked very good -- much better than Blaine Gabbert has since joining the 49ers. Gabbert struggles with his accuracy, stares down receivers and is totally incapable of making a read. Johnson was accurate and frequently made multiple reads. Obviously, I'd prefer Johnson as the backup but I have no idea how that will shake out.
Whatever the case, the next time the 49ers find themselves in a game, it will be actual, factual football. And against the Dallas Cowboys, of all teams. I can't think of a better way to begin a season after what has felt like a particularly long offseason. Onto your links.
Harbaugh awards 49ers with praise, two game balls (Maiocco)
Borland makes spirited case for starting spot (Branch)
49ers' 53-man roster projection (Biderman)
Here he goes again? Johnson finishes another preseason with a flourish (Branch)
Harbaugh wants Gabbert, Johnson on 49ers final roster (Maiocco)
49ers QB Josh Johnson: 'I was able to make a strong case to be on this team' (Inman)
49ers swarm Texans in preseason finale (Associated Press)
Gabbert struggles, Johnson shines in 49ers' romp over Texans (Branch)
Observation Deck: San Francisco 49ers (Gutierrez)
No Pain Means a Gain for 49ers in Summer Finale (NBC Bay Area)
Gabbert gets X-ray on throwing shoulder; also gets praise from Harbaugh (Inman)
Backups Come up Big: Borland, Cleveland, Osgood, Nelson Talk Highlights (49ers)
Carlos Hyde Benefitted from Tough-love College Coach (49ers)