49ers offensive line needs to make big strides

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Even San Francisco’s most experienced offensive linemen got beat time and again by the Texans’ attacking, smothering defense.

First-year 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh has concerns about his offense as a whole and the shaky line play two weeks ahead of the team’s Sept. 11 season opener against the defending NFC West champion Seattle Seahawks.

San Francisco gave up three sacks in a 30-7 exhibition loss to Houston on Saturday night, prompting Harbaugh to say Sunday the Niners got “violated at times.” Left tackle Joe Staley struggled in one-on-one matchups with Connor Barwin. Antonio Smith made the Niners pay several times, too.

There was little opportunity for the quarterbacks to succeed without reliable protection.

Harbaugh observed problems with technique and fundamentals by the linemen.