49ers vs Texans Week 8 Preview: Another Shanahan disciple showdown
Former 49ers Defensive Coordinator DeMeco Ryans takes on the master
At 5-2 thus far, the San Francisco 49ers have surpassed all expectations this season. Although they are the most injured team in the league, the 49ers motto has been “next man up”. Now, they travel to Houston to face a familiar face in DeMeco Ryans and the Texans. With a backup quarterback, backup center, backup receivers, backup corners, and backup defensive linemen, can the 49ers improve to 6-2? Or will they fall to a Shanahan disciple, something that doesn’t happen very often.
Hype It Up
The 49ers are coming off of their best defensive performance of the season, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 20-10 at home. The defense tallied two sacks, 22 quarterback pressures, and a forced fumble that was recovered by San Francisco. On top of a remarkable defensive performance, RB Christian McCaffrey reminded everyone just how great he is after a monster 201 all-purpose yard game, adding two touchdowns on the ground.
The Texans are coming off of a loss on Monday Night Football to the Seattle Seahawks. A botched kick and penalties were what sealed the Texans’ fate Monday night, on top of offensive struggles. QB CJ Stroud only completed 47% of his passes (23/49) with a touchdown and an interception. The Texans’ defense had some flashes of success, forcing four turnovers and forcing and recovering a fumble in the endzone. They also added an interception with CB Derek Stingley Jr. picking off Sam Darnold, but it was not enough to overcome the struggles of the offense.
Injuries
As mentioned before, the 49ers are the most injured team in the NFL, and that remains true after Week 7. Center Jake Brendel left the game in the first quarter with a hamstring injury that will likely sideline him for a couple of weeks. The biggest injury news of the last week is DE Bryce Huff, who has been very impressive for the 49ers, will be sidelined for a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury of his own. That leaves rookie Mykel Williams as the only edge rusher that did not get elevated from the practice squad, not an ideal situation for the 49ers.
The biggest concern for the Texans’ is WR Nico Collins, who left Monday night’s game with a concussion. That will be a big blow to an already struggling offense if Collins can’t suit up for Sunday’s matchup. The Texans’ will also be without WR Christian Kirk, RB Joe Mixon, and Safety Jimmie Ward. Not nearly as injured as this 49ers team, but missing key players that could make all the difference in this matchup.
Matchups to Watch
49ers DLine vs. Texans OLine
It is not much of a surprise that the Texans offensive line is one of the bottom of the league units, ranking in the bottom five in run and pass-blocking. This would be perfect news for the 49ers, if they were at full capacity. However, with the loss of Huff, and the season-ending injuries to Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, the 49ers will be relying on their practice squad guys to step up and take control of this game.
Mac Jones vs. Texans Defense
The Texans’ defense is the fifth-ranked passing defense, giving Mac Jones back-to-back starts against top-10 passing defenses. Jones, who had 152 passing yards, no touchdowns, and an interception against the Falcons, will need his receivers’ help progressing the ball on Sunday. WR Jauan Jennings and WR Demarcus Robinson both had crucial drops on Sunday Night, which is something they will not be able to afford in Houston.
Kyle Shanahan vs. DeMeco Ryans
Kyle Shanahan always has something in store for his former colleagues. We saw it when he squared up against Sean McVay and the Rams, and we are going to see it again against DeMeco Ryans and the Texans. Very rarely does Shanahan let his disciples get the best of him, but never say never.
This is a matchup that could make or break the 49ers. With a victory and moving to 6-2, we could possibly see them make a move that would bolster their roster and become a legit Super Bowl contender. On the other hand, the Texans are trying to avoid coming out to a 2-5 start, and hoping to keep their slim chance at the playoffs alive. Sunday will be a big test for both teams, with something bigger on their mind.