49ers vs. Texans final score: Defensive domination is the name of the game

The San Francisco 49ers improved to 3-2 as they dominated the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football. The 49ers defense dominated as the 49ers won by a final score of 34-3.

This game was all about the 49ers defense, as they continued what has been a miserable stretch for quarterback Matt Schaub. It opened with a pick six on the third play of the game, as Tramaine Brock hauled in a Schaub pass and ran it back 20 yards for the touchdown. Brock would add a second interception early in the third quarter, and Tony Jerod-Eddie grabbed one to end the third quarter.

Matt Schaub deserves his share of blame for the poor play, but the 49ers defense smelled blood and pounced. They forced turnovers, and they had excellent coverage from the secondary. They had some issues at times with the Texans running backs, but they shut down the passing game so completely, that it was not really a big deal.

The big star of the game was Tramaine Brock. The 49ers third cornerback took over from Nnamdi Asomugha last week due to Nnamdi's knee injury, and one has to wonder if Nnamdi will ever return to the nickel back role. At what point does Brock lock down the job the rest of the way, as opposed to just week-to-week?

The name of the game on offense was once again the run game. Frank Gore rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James combined for 60 yards, and Anthony Dixon ran in a touchdown as well. All in all it was impressive work on the ground.

The passing game continues to raise some question marks. Colin Kaepernick was 6 of 15 for 113 yards and a touchdown. The 49ers did not need much from him given the defense and running game, but it was still a little disconcerting. The performance was "saved" by a big pass to Vernon Davis late in the game. The team will begin preparations for the Arizona Cardinals, and they bring an intriguing young secondary. It will be interesting to see how the 49ers adjust moving forward.

For now though, the team is back over .500 at 3-2, tied with the Cardinals and one game back of the Seattle Seahawks. Not too shabby.

GO NINERS!