Texans vs. 49ers: 5 Biggest Takeaways for San Francisco

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Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Shayne Skov (56) reacts after recording a sack on Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Texans defeated the 49ers 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

First-team defense looked ready

The 49ers defense held the Texans first-team offense scoreless. Linebacker Ahmad Brooks recorded a sack. Cornerback Tramaine Brock broke up a pass intended for DeAndre Hopkins, and safety/cornerback Jimmie Ward didn’t have a pass thrown his way per Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area.

However, the player who started and impressed the most was cornerback Chris Davis. Davis covered the slot receiver when the 49ers played five defensive backs, and he had pass breakups on third down and fourth down on two consecutive series.

Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Davis (43) reacts after forcing an incomplete pass against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

He also recorded three tackles, and head coach Chip Kelly is impressed by the fact he has taken advantage of his opportunities.

“He’s taken advantage of the opportunities he’s had,” Chip Kelly said of Davis via Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. “I think he’s really sharp. He’s very sharp as a football player. He’s physical. He’s not the tallest corner we have, but he’s thick and he’s strong and he’s physical. He matches up well and he also does a good job blitzing from that position because he has a little bit of size to him. So he’s done a nice job so far and we’ll continue to see if we can expand his role.”

Last year’s starting cornerback Kenneth Acker had a night to forget, giving away a pass-interference penalty and being indirectly responsible for both of the Texans TDs, per Barrows.

Next: Offensive Line Took Strides