Crabtree's first game

Watching post-game coverage of today's game between the 49ers and the Houston Texans, the most common refrain had to do with watching film of the game. Coaches and players for the most part didn't want to comment on today's performances until after they've watched the film first. I wonder how teams ever managed before game film was so readily available?

Yes, the Niners lost today, but there was a lot of positive to take away from it anyway. Now I don't know what the coaching staff sees on a daily basis, and I never watch game film, but the offense sure seemed to open up in the 2nd half. How much of that was due to the play of quarterback Alex Smith? Does the zip on his passes open up the playbook, or was opening it up due to being so far behind? If he continues to start, will the offensive philosophy change to include more passing, possibly to help open up the running game? And how about that Vernon Davis?

But in particular, I'd like to say something about the play of Michael Crabtree. He already looks like an integral part of the team, making clutch catches and someone that is already a dependable option. And I was most impressed by the strength of his hands and ability to go up and get the ball. He's a gamer!