Texans vs. 49ers: Q/A with Niner Noise

Sep 26, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) carries the ball against the St. Louis Rams during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. San Francisco defeated St. Louis 35-11. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers and the Texans are each 2-2 overall … as for the 49ers, what is their biggest reason for a slower start than expected?

It all comes down to the 49ers offense establishing the running game. In the two games the Niners lost this season, the running game had success, but it was not the focal point throughout the game. When the offense is forced to pass for most of the game, it has shown to not be reliable. That is not a knock on Kaepernick, but on the depth the 49ers have at receiver. Losing Michael Crabtree and Mario Manningham is affecting Kaepernick’s ability to generate a consistent passing game.